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eirist · 5 years

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Little Bits and Pieces of Heaven

DATING... IT’S THE PITS

One-shot #: 10

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. AU.

Rating: T

Note: AU setting. College zeitgeist. Prompt #86: “I’ll walk you home.”

Summary: So does this mean I need your approval before I can date someone?

The door of his apartment banged open followed by loud, stomping footsteps.

“Get up! Get dressed! You are coming with me!”

Nami issued the command the moment she entered his bedroom. Her warm brown orbs scanned the area, showing mild confusion when it didn’t see the green-haired man lounging on his bed, snoring himself to oblivion.

“I’m up. Not dressed. And definitely not coming with you.” Zoro responded unenthusiastically, watching her from the bathroom mirror. He returned to shaving his face (which he momentarily halted when he nearly nicked himself due to the sudden loud intrusion).

There was a movement in the mirror’s corner and he saw Nami’s reflection was closer now. She was standing just behind him with hands on her hips, an unamused expression plastered on her pretty face.

“You are coming with me,” she ordered.

He rolled his eye at her. “No.”

“Do not make me drag your ass out that door.”

“Try and die witch!”

She swiftly kicked him on the leg.

“Hey!” Zoro turned and glared at her. He motioned at razor on his hand. “Are you trying to make me completely blind?”

“Makes no difference to me,” Nami said with a shrug looking pointedly at the scar on his left eye.

“Warms my heart to know that you care.”

She ignored his comment and folded her arms across her luscious chest. “You’re already shaving your face Zoro! That means you are considering going out today.”

Zoro huffed as he returned to his task. “How about the stubbles are irritating me?”

“Don’t play that shit on me. If you are not planning to go out and drink later then you’d still be sprawled on your bed, dead to the world.”

“Tch!”

“Come on! I haven’t even said where we are going!”

“I’m not interested to know because I’m not coming with you.”

“ZORO!!!”

“Take Luffy.”

“He’s with his brothers!”

“Right. Then take swirly brows.”

“No!” She said defiantly before turning her back on him. She approached his closet, throwing its doors open. “Sheesh Zoro! Did you forget laundry day again? Everything here stinks! Ugh!” Despite her comment, she started rummaging inside for something decent for him to wear.

“Oi! Don’t go around poking your head in somebody else’s closet! You don’t know what you might see in there!”

Nami swiveled towards him with a raised eyebrow. “What will I see huh? Porn mags? Used condoms? Skimpy women’s underwear?” She smirked cockily when he did not answer.

Like it’s possible. There’s a bigger chance of finding dead rat bodies stuffed by Luffy inside his closet as prank than any of those items she just enumerated.

He stepped out of the bathroom glaring at her while drying his face with a towel. “Maybe,” he answered with a shrug.

“Oh gosh! Zoro keeps women’s underwear in his closet. What a pervert!” Nami drawled sarcastically. “When did you turn to old man Brook?”

“Shut up!”

“Like hell you would have one here,” the orange-haired girl snorted. “And if you possibly do, it’s more likely because you are gay instead of hooking up with someone.”

Zoro growled an obscenity at her which she dismissed with a wave of her hand.

“Anyway,” she faced him, throwing a clean shirt in his direction. “Get dressed!”

He caught it with one hand. “Oi, who said I’m coming with you?” He sneered at her before throwing the shirt back, hitting her straight on the face.

“You don’t have a choice!” Nami snarled, throwing the shirt back at him. “You still owe me in case you are forgetting!”

Zoro quirked an eyebrow at that. “Owe you? But I did not borrow any money from you!”

Nami pouted at him. “But I saved you from Chiaki yesterday. And the day before yesterday. And the day before that.”

Chiaki (who-cares-what-her-last-name-is) was a tall, curvy and slutty (in Nami’s opinion) senior, who’s in Zoro’s lit class. She constantly follows him around the campus, throwing herself at the ever-oblivious green-haired guy and much to Nami’s consternation… she sometimes shows up at Zoro’s apartment randomly under the guise of bringing him lecture notes.

The tall lad snorted at that. “What are you saying? I don’t need any saving from Chiaki. How delusional can you get?”

“Oh you do you oaf!” Nami glared at him. “It’s not like you can push her off when she latches herself onto you.” Suddenly she was in front of him, clinging tightly on his arm. He can feel her soft breasts against him, sending tingling sensations all over his body.

“OI!!!”

“Oh Zoro-kun,” she purred, batting her eyelashes at him. “Let’s walk to our class together,” her voice hitting an irritating pitch as she imitated the way his classmate speaks. “I’ll make sure you don’t get lost. Then maybe we can grab some coffee later after class? Or hit the bar? Whichever you prefer?”

Zoro pulled his arm free from her grasp. “Nice Nami. Really nice.”

Nami made a face at him. “If you think I’m just gonna stand and watch her blatantly throw herself at you, you are mistaken mister. Kami knows how you and Luffy needs someone to take care of this kind of people!”

“I didn’t ask you to,” Zoro grumbled at her. “I can handle it just fine.”

“Ooooh right,” Nami nodded with a wry smile. “Because you can handle tact just fine. How are going to tell her you are not interested without breaking her heart, huh? Not that I care or anything.”

Zoro looked at her intently. “Who said I wasn’t?”

That stilled Nami. “What do you mean?” She managed to ask and prevent herself from sputtering the words out due to sheer astonishment.

“You heard me.”

“Is that so?” Nami questioned lowly, cocking a perfectly shaped eyebrow at him.

Zoro let out a ‘tch’ before speaking. “You’re always complaining about how you always have to look out for me. Well, Chiaki seems eager to take me off your hands. Let’s just let her.”

The temperature seemed to drop suddenly. Sure it was cheerily sunny outside and all. But inside his room…

It felt like hell just froze over.

“Why didn’t you tell me you wanted to date her?” Her gaze on him was ice cold, her tone even more so.

“Huh?” Zoro was taken aback by her reaction. He noted how her usually warm chocolate eyes suddenly lost the usual fire in them. “I… uh…”

She huffed. “Do what you want.” She pushed past him and made her way out of his apartment without another word.

“Congratulations Nami, you made yourself look like a fool,” Nami muttered under her breath as she trudged along the crowded avenue on her way to meet Usopp.

She was now regretting the way she acted earlier… losing her composure and storming out of Zoro’s apartment. She is usually good in keeping her emotions in check and under wraps.

But this time it got the better of her.

She was so shocked with Zoro’s revelation and it actually felt like someone had sucker punched her right in the gut.

In all honesty, she genuinely believed that he was not interested in that slutty classmate of his. He always seemed indifferent with the opposite sex that most of their friends have an ongoing bet as to when he’s gonna come out.

That’s why she never expected him to say that.

“Oi Namiiiii!!!”

Nami snapped out of her musings and spotted a figure waving enthusiastically near the entrance of the local bookstore.

She gave a small wave back as Usopp rushed over to meet her.

“Hey! Thank heavens. I thought you were gonna bail on me!” Usopp said, grinning.

Nami mirrored his grin… well tried, to be exact. “The thought actually crossed my mind…”

“Oi!” Usopp frowned at her.

And she laughed at his reaction. “Come on lover boy. Let’s go get your date!”

Usopp blushed at that, stuttering a retort. She only rolled her eyes at him, ignoring the gibberish coming out of his mouth. He always gets tongue tied when they teased him about Kaya and their relationship. And that makes it so much fun to do.

They started walking towards Kaya’s place.

“Hey are you ok?” Usopp peered inquisitively at her after a few silent minutes. “You’re awfully quiet.”

Nami turned her head towards him. “Uh yeah. Sorry, I kinda got lost in my thoughts.”

Usopp laughed. “Zoro must be rubbing off on you. Spending a lot of time with him is detrimental to your health.”

“I do not spend a lot of time with him,” she said with a frown.

“Uuuh… actually you kinda do?” Her dark-haired friend said in a matter-of-fact tone. “I’ve been seeing you two on the campus grounds together… a lot.”

Nami scowled at being called out. “Well someone has to make sure our idiot gets himself in and out of his classes without unnecessary detours.” She didn’t add the fact that she was also walking the green-haired lad to and from his classes to ensure that that harpy Chiaki wouldn’t be able to get her claws on him.

Zoro was too good of a man for a girl like her. She’s not gonna watch one of her best friends date a girl like that. No way. Nuh uh.

Usopp merely shrugged. “Well I honestly thought you’ll be roping him into coming with us tonight.”

“Well he’s busy.”

“Zoro’s never too busy for your whims coupled with your threats.” Usopp gazed at her disbelievingly. He’s friends with Nami and the others for a long time now that he was well-aware that she has the green-haired senior wrapped around her pinky.

“Well he is.”

He immediately sensed that something was up. “Uh, Nami…” he began to ask.

“Usopp,” Nami cut him off and gave him a smile that clearly states he’s gonna get it if he doesn’t shut up. “Let’s just go pick Kaya up.”

The curly-haired lad acquiesced. “Alright.” He glanced at his companion again with doubtful eyes. “Hey,” he decided to change the topic hoping to switch Nami’s mood. “Thanks for third wheeling,” he lightly nudged her with his shoulder. “I would’ve asked Vivi but she’s out of town for the weekend.”

This time Nami’s face brightened. “I don’t mind third wheeling Usopp, since you’re gonna owe me for this big time!”

Usopp gulped. He can practically hear the sound of belis falling in the background. Good Kami! Nami’s planning to bankrupt him just for this favor!

“Hey maybe we can talk about it,” he suggested weakly. He knows from experience that it is not a good thing to owe favors from Nami. “You know how strict Merry-san can be. Give your poor friend a break!”

The girl narrowed her eyes at him. “A favor’s a favor Usopp.”

“Aaw. Come on. In the name of love!”

Nami choked on that. “Eeww. You should stop hanging out with Sanji-kun!”

“You act like you don’t have a romantic bone in your body.”

“Damn right I don’t!”

“Yeah… but you do cry your eyes out when watching those sappy chick flicks.”

He got whacked for that comment. “I do not!” Nami cried out in horror.

“I have a damn credible source!”

“Who?!”

“It’s… a secret!”

Nami stopped walking and glared at her friend. “That better be not Luffy or Zoro!”

“Mmm… no.”

“What’s with the pause Usopp?! You’re lying!” She reached out to pinch his ear.

“Hey! Aww! Yeah it’s them!” Usopp admitted in the less than 5 seconds. He was never really that good with pain and damn, Nami does know how to inflict one.

“I’m gonna clobber those two,” she huffed as she released him.

“Just exclude me. Thank you.” Usopp said rubbing his ear. Nami mumbled something under her breath before she started walking again. Whatever it was, Usopp wasn’t able to catch it but he did notice the change in her demeanor.

He moved to catch up to her. “What’s bothering you?” He asked, noting that Nami seemed to be shifting from one mood to another. He wanted to chalk it up to her time of the month but something tells him that that’s not the case.

Nami shook her head. “Nothing. Why?”

Usopp raised an eyebrow; did she actually forget that he knows when she is lying? “There is something wrong. I can tell with your aura!”

“Aura?”

“Yeah! Did Luffy do something? Or did Zoro?”

“Why would you think one of them has something to do with it?”

Usopp rolled his eyes at her. “Uh, because they are our resident troublemakers? And nothing, nothing puts you in a really bad mood than those two getting themselves in a deep shit, well aside from losing money on your betting games.”

She sighed exasperatedly. “No deep shits. Luffy’s with his brothers so whatever crazy stuff he pulls, Ace and Sabo can handle it.”

“Ok. And how about Zoro?”

There was silence. And Usopp frowned, brows furrowing as he watched Nami stare blankly ahead as the two of them continued walking. He opened his mouth to snap her back to reality but she spoke suddenly.

“Zoro wants to date Chiaki.”

Usopp blinked. Once. Twice. Did he hear it right?

“Uh… come again?”

“I said,” Nami pinned him with totally incensed glare. “Zoro wants to date Chiaki.” This time the words were coming out through gritted teeth. “That bitch!”

Usopp’s mouth opened and closed unable to form the right words.

“Oh shit.” Was the only thing he managed to blurt out after several seconds of trying.

“Uhh… you might wanna tone down with the throwing?” Usopp meekly suggested.

Nami scowled at him before flinging the ball in her hand. It landed inside the slanted bucket and bounced out, nearly hitting Usopp in the forehead.

They were in the street fair adjacent to the outdoor movie theater where him, his date Kaya and Nami spent the early part of the evening watching a good but old comedy flick (thank Kami, they decided not show anything romantic that might make Nami’s nerves explode).

Usopp and Nami were currently playing ball and bucket toss for the cute doughnut pillows while Kaya went to the ice cream stall to get them desserts.

“I can’t believe it,” Nami growled. “Why her of all people?!” She threw another ball, aiming at the bucket to her left. The ball bounced back towards them nearly hitting Usopp again.

“Hey watch it!”

“I wanna beat that idiot into a pulp!” Nami announced, gripping the ball tightly as if she was strangling someone’s neck. She threw the ball hastily and nearly hit the one managing the stall. They both apologized sheepishly as the man threatened to ban them from playing.

“Calm down Nami! Calm down!” Usopp grabbed her on the shoulders to stop her from rampaging. “Tch. I know this is going to happen.”

“YOU KNOW?!”

“Well… kind of…” Usopp swallowed the lump that suddenly appeared in his throat.

Nami’s gaze on him was so intense that he felt like he would melt on the spot from too much fear. “Why didn’t you tell me?!” She growled at him.

He stared at her as if she had grown two heads. “Tell you what? That you like him?”

“Eh?”

They stared at each other for a really, really long time. Both trying to comprehend what the other were saying.

Usopp scratched his head. “I thought this was the kind of thing you need to figure out yourself.”

Nami just continued to stare at him, seemingly frozen. “I thought you mean about Zoro and Chiaki.” She finally stated.

“Oh…” Clearly they were not on the same page as Usopp initially thought.

But the bomb has already been dropped. And there is no taking it back.

He watched as Nami swallowed and fiddled with the ball in her hand, looking lost.

Usopp patted her shoulder lightly. He’ll just let the realization of it all sink into his orange-haired friend for now. As much as Nami is smart, she’s also kind of dense when it comes to the romantic department and a bit slow when it comes to what she’s really feeling.

Even if it’s too damn obvious to practically everyone. Not to mention that almost half of their campus already believes that she and Zoro are dating.

Nami continued fiddling with the ball, taking in what Usopp had just said and what he made her realize.

She half-heartedly threw the ball she was holding. She likes Zoro?

And the ball miraculously went inside the bucket without bouncing out.

“Oh hey!” Usopp yelled, pumping a fist into the air.

“It went in!” Nami gasped in amazement.

How odd. It was like the universe just answered her question.

“Just one more and you get the doughnut.” The man behind the stall said, handing her another ball.

But luck wasn’t on her side and the ball bounced out of the bucket again.

“Seems like today is not a good day after all.” She murmured watching Usopp win the doughnut pillow for Kaya.

“What are you saying?” Usopp frowned at her.

Nami sighed. “It feels like I got sucker punched by unwanted revelations twice. And,” she poked at the pillow in Usopp’s arm. “I can’t fucking win this doughnut! I want one!” She complained poking it again.

“Want me to win one for you?” Usopp sincerely offered. “It’s the least I can do since you did accompany me and Kaya today.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Don’t think for a second you are off the hook Usopp. You still owe me for this favor. Winning me a doughnut is just barely scratching the surface.”

Usopp squeaked a protest weakly. You really can’t get away from Nami when it comes to favors and debts.

“Tch! Forget about winning this,” Nami threw her hands up in defeat. “I should just head back and mull over the fact that the guy I like, wants to date another girl.”

That didn’t escape Usopp’s sharp ears. “Sooo…” he intoned, letting the vowel drag for a few seconds. “You do admit that you like Zoro?”

Nami looked horrified. Oh Kami, she had said that out loud! Unconsciously and out loud!

Usopp was looking at her expectantly.

There was no way she can lie her way out of this. Not when Usopp is the better liar and knows how to call her bluff.

“Shut your trap nose-kun,” Nami warned. “This is only between the two of us. If word comes out, I’ll have your hide.”

“Understood,” Usopp mock-saluted.

Nami turned her attention back to the game in front of her. Just one more and she’ll call it quits even if she hates giving up. She was desperately wishing to at least get something good before the day ends.

She threw the ball distractedly and with a bit more force than necessary.

It bounced out of the bucket again and flew past her. She let out a frustrated sigh.

“What a lame throw.”

Her head swiveled towards the voice. Zoro was standing a few feet behind her with the ball in his hand which he obviously caught.

A frown automatically appeared on her face as Usopp greeted the green-haired man.

“Zoro! Nice to see you here!” Usopp let out a rather fake laugh. How long has he been standing there? Kami, sometimes he hates how stealthy he can be. Hopefully he wasn’t able to hear what he and Nami were talking about.

Zoro nodded in response to his greeting.

“Why are you here?” Usopp mentally noted how Nami edged away from Zoro and from the look on the tall man’s face, he noticed it too.

“I thought you were busy?”

Zoro cocked his head towards Usopp in confusion and his lone grey eye shifted towards Nami with a frown. “Just looking for someone,” he finally answered flicking the ball at Usopp. His attention moved back to the orange-haired girl.

The ball bounced on Usopp’s hand thrice before he caught it. “Oh. Looking for your date?”

He could swear Nami’s stare burned through him like lasers.

“Huh?” Was Zoro’s lax reply.

Usopp inched away from Nami’s reach. “You said you were looking for someone? I thought…”

“Don’t be stupid,” Zoro scoffed at him. “I was looking for her.” He pointed at Nami who still has her back turned towards him. “Oi Nami!”

Nami did not even glance at his direction.

“The hell is her problem?” Zoro grumbled and Usopp shrugged.

“Dunno…”

Zoro’s gaze on him was piercing. And Usopp avoided looking in his eye lest he finds out that he’s covering Nami. The tall lad was perceptive than most give him credit for.

“Tch.”

Usopp placed a hand on his shoulder. “It’s probably best if you stay clear from her today. She’s in one of her moods.”

Zoro grunted something under his breath.

“Zoro?”

“It’s nothing Usopp,” he waved off Usopp’s concern with a hand. “Best to face the damn storm head on.”

Usopp sighed wearily. The man was asking for it. Maybe he does like getting beaten up by Nami. He should’ve known Zoro has a masochistic tendency.

“You know what, I better go and get Kaya. It’s getting late and you know how Merry-san is.” He then tapped Nami on shoulder wordlessly thanking her for accompanying him and high tailed it out of there in the blink of an eye.

“Hnn...” Zoro barely acknowledge his friend’s unusual haste.

Nami groaned inwardly. So much for loyalty. Usopp just left her to fend for herself. Alone. Against Zoro.

She signaled to the man in the stall to give her another ball and she hurled it towards the bucket along with all the frustrations of the day.

“Stop trying to throw like you want to kill it!” Zoro criticized, stepping up beside her.

“Shut up!” Nami snapped at him. “No one’s asking you! Leave me alone!”

“The hell is your problem Nami?”

“Nothing that concerns you Zoro.”

Zoro paused to keep his temper in check. She’s acting all sulky and childish and damn if her bratty way did not piss him off. “Nami,” he said, lowering his tone. “What is going on?”

He could see her stiffening. Nami knows that when he starts using that certain tone, she better straighten herself right away before he loses his temper.

There was a long silence that nearly drove his teetering patience over the edge.

“You never told me you wanted to date her,” Nami finally admitted, chucking another ball towards the bucket.

Zoro raised an eyebrow. “Chiaki?”

Nami nodded. “Yeah if I had known then I would’ve—“

“You would’ve what?” Zoro asked, his tone sharp.

“I would’ve stopped hanging out with you!” Nami snarled at him.

Zoro was looking at her disbelievingly. “What are you talking about you stupid witch?”

Nami groaned. This is how romantically inept Zoro are. He can’t grasp the point of what she’s saying.

“I—”

“Hear me out first Nami,” Zoro cut her off, raising his voice a bit so that it can penetrate her rather thick skull. “I didn’t say I wanna date her. I just said if I’m too much of a burden for you then just hand the responsibility to Chiaki since she’s more than willing. I was only kidding. Then you suddenly went and cold shouldered me.”

Nami fought the urge to pull at her hair in frustration. “It’s because I don’t like her for you! She throws herself on you too much.”

Zoro seemed to be pondering about something as he watched her lamely throw the ball again.

“Will it help if I admit that I don’t like her?” He suddenly asked.

Nami’s eyes swiveled towards him to gaze at his face. Was he pulling her leg again?

But all she saw was a serious expression across his handsome face. His brows were furrowed as he stared at her… gauging her, studying her reaction.

His hands were shoved in the pockets of his jacket. She could make out the hard muscles of his chest and realized he wasn’t wearing any shirt underneath and most likely just haphazardly thrown it around him, zipped it up, and then went looking for her.

The thought made her face heat up and her heart flutter.

Usopp was damn right. She likes him. A lot. She always has.

She turned away from him before answering. “Yeah,” she said quietly. “It does.” She tried to hide the smile tugging at the corners of her lips. It was nice to know that. Really nice. She breathed a sigh of relief.

Zoro’s lips quirked at her answer. “Are you jealous Nami?”

She blanched and turned red in a matter of seconds. “What!? Why are you asking me that?!”

He smiled and shrugged. “It would be nice…”

And just when she thought she can’t get any redder, she was surprised to find out that she actually CAN.

Nami punched his arm to cover her embarrassment. She didn’t want to ask what he meant by that… even if it made her heart skip a beat.

He rubbed the abused part, even if she can’t really hurt him that much. Well… physically anyway.

“So are we good now?” He asked, trying to act nonchalant.

“No.”

“Why!?”

Nami glared at him and placed her hands on her hips. “You think you can get away with pissing me off easily Zoro?!”

He inwardly groaned. Look where he got his stupid self into. Again. Right back into Nami’s slave driver clutches. And he knows she will make him wait on her hand and foot until she’s satisfied.

And Nami never gets satisfied.

But frankly… he really did not mind.

“What do you want me to do witch?”

The moment he asked her that question, the smile on her face rivaled the gleaming lights of the fair. “I want a doughnut pillow Zoro.”

“Huh?” Zoro raised an eyebrow at her.

“Win me a doughnut pillow,” she demanded, pointing at the game she was sorely losing earlier.

“I can’t believe you sometimes,” Zoro complained as he took a step towards the stall.

It took almost no effort for him to win her the pillow. Make that three pillows.

“Now are we good? Or do you want me to win all the doughnuts?” Zoro asked exasperatedly. He made a mental note never to piss Nami again. Making amends take too much out of him and his pockets.

Nami was beaming at him, while holding all the pillows in her arms. “We’re good,” she said chirpily. She glanced at the man managing the stall with pity. He looked really nervous upon realizing that Zoro can wipe his stall clean effortlessly.

Zoro stared at her before heaving a sigh. “Anything else you want me to do your highness?”

“Nothing so far slave.”

“Now let’s go. I’ll walk you home.”

“Don’t. You’ll only get lost,” Nami said snootily, shoving two of the pillows in his arms. “Walk me to your apartment.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Because I said so Zoro!” Nami pulled him towards the direction of his place.

“What? You wanna hang out or something?”

“Yeah.”

They were walking in a rather pleasant silence and pace, when Zoro suddenly laughed. “I can’t believe you got mad all because you thought I like and wanted to date Chiaki.”

Nami scowled at him. “Shut up marimo-head. Like I said, I don’t like her for you.”

He was still laughing, just realizing the absurdity of their ‘fight’. But unexpectedly, he was able to confirm something because of it.

“So does this mean I need your approval before I can date someone?” Zoro asked contemplatively.

Nami pursed her lips. It felt like a trick question and that she should consider her answer carefully. Because from the expression on Zoro’s face, it looks like he’s up to something and it looks like he knows something.

“Not really. You can date anyone except Chiaki.”

Zoro stopped in his tracks. “Is that so?”

Nami mirrored his movement. “Yeah.”

His countenance remained amused as his gaze never left her face.

“Then date me Nami.”

#zoro x nami #ZoNa #zonami #zonalove #zona one-shots #zoro nami fanfiction #one piece fanfiction #roronoa zoro #nami

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uriel-ignatius121 · 6 years

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Stuck In The Sunshine Riptide

So this little thing is now a fic that I wrote for Dailyreaper76′s fic contest!

Also available here at AO3!

Business was slow at the Talon Teahouse when Gabriel came in for his shift.

Opening a teahouse by the beach in Eternally Sunny L.A. seemed like a wild idea a year ago when Akande asked Gabriel to co-own it with him. They were fortunate enough to find a market for it, especially among the Magical Community.

Being one of the few establishments that was owned and staffed by purely Supernatural beings had a novelty to it that attracted mundanes and tourists of both kinds to their quaint little shop - but that novelty was slowly starting to fade, it was inevitable.

As Gabriel makes his way from the entrance to the office behind the counter, where Akande has left him a report of last month’s expenses that needed his attention, his eyes scan the shop.

‘Amélie and Sombra are at the counter while Genji’s cleaning tables in the dining area ,’ Gabriel makes a mental note. ‘ A couple more hours ‘til the afternoon shift comes in… ’

He notices a few of their regulars were there right on schedule and a couple of unfamiliar faces. ‘ Not bad for a slow morning... ’

“Morning Gaa~be!” Sombra sing-songs as he passes by. Gabriel raises an eyebrow at the mischievous smile she was sporting.

Leaning heavily on the counter, Sombra crooks a well-manicured finger at his direction, motioning him to come closer.

“What are you up to now, you little witch?” Gabriel grumbles but obliges her as he walks over.

He gives a polite nod to Amélie who was by the cash register before leaning closer to Sombra as she whispers something to his ear.

“Hey hey! check out rubiecito in table 8, he seems to be just your type…” Sombra’s voice was laced with unabashed glee.

Gabriel follows her eyes to the table at the corner of the shop where a broad shouldered, leather jacket clad blond man currently sits, his nose so buried into a book that Gabriel can barely see his face.

Gabriel begins to categorize the items on the table. The man ordered black tea and french toast, which was barely touched. On the table were several notebooks and what looks like a small wooden box placed right in the center, which peaks his curiosity - but Gabriel squashes that feeling immediately. They get all sorts of folk in this shop, after-all.

“Get back to work,” Gabriel frowns, waving Sombra away who sticks her tongue out at him, “Remember the last date you guys tried to hook me up with…”

“In our defense, it was Genji who failed to inform us of their nature...” Amélie interrupts them as she walks over, hoping to stop any arguments that might arise between the two.

“What did I do now?” Genji says with an annoyed huff, putting down a tray of dirty dishes on the nearest empty table. He runs a hand through his already messy neon green hair.

Sombra rolls her eyes before she replies. “Remember Kiku? The nekomata...”

“Ooooh right,” Genji winces at the memory. He carefully hefts up the tray, all cups and plates stable. “Yeah, that was my bad - I didn’t know there was going to be issue…”

“You didn’t see any issues with a mermaid and a cat demon dating?” Gabriel joked dryly.

“Again - I apologize for that, Boss, ” Genji says sincerely but with a mocking bow as he goes into the kitchen area.

“It wasn't that I didn't like Kiku…” Gabriel rambles on to his now captive audience of Sombra and Amélie, “It’s just… I don’t do casually flings anymore, I’m too old for that-”

“Ha! That’s a joke if I ever he-Aaaah!” Sombra screeches as Gabriel ruffles her hair, messing up her purple faux-hawk.

“You are such brat!” Gabriel grins widely as Sombra struggles to get out of his reach. Her sharp purple nails try to grab his beanie in retaliation, but she fails miserably.

“Ah shit! I kid, I kid, lo siento!” Sombra finally gets away and furiously tries to fix her hair, Amélie gives them both disapproving looks.

“But what?” mutters Fareeha between bites of her blueberry muffin. Gabriel failed to notice that the young police officer has been listening to their conversation for a while now.

If she wasn’t the precious daughter of one of his oldest friends and has literally watched this girl grow up from a precocious child to the intellectual but nosy, young lady - Gabriel would find this habit of hers rude, but he was used to it. She always stops by for a snack whenever she was in the area during her patrols.

“What I meant was, They just weren’t the type I could bring home to meet the family, you know…” Gabriel begins to grab a couple of tissues from the counter and gives them to Fareeha, prompting her to wipe off the crumbs on her pristine uniform.

“Like literally, last I heard was that my parents were slumming it near the Marianas Trench,” He continues as he walks behind the counter and makes his way to office. “They’re still hoping that this whole ‘I-want-to-go-to-the-surface-world’ thing is just a phase, by the way!”

“Parents… still very much stuck in the old ways,” Genji comments, peeking through the service window, there was a bitter frown on his lips but understanding in his eyes.

“You got that right!” Gabriel nods in agreement as his opens the door. “I’m a couple of centuries old and they still give me shit sometimes! Seriously! When will they--”

Gabriel suddenly found himself unable to breathe.

Everything felt too hot, too dry. There is a tingling sensation sparking every nerve cell in his entire body, suddenly he feels heavier and before he knew it, gravity has shifted and he was lying on the cold, tiled floor.

“GABRIEL!”

“GABE!”

“GABRIEL! OH MY GOSH!”

“BOSS!”

He hears his friends and the other patrons shouting.

He hears the chairs scraping on the floor. Hurried and concerned footsteps getting louder.

“Alright! Everybody remain calm,” Gabriel hears Fareeha address the crowd that was forming near the front of the shop. “We got this under control, I’m so sorry for the inconvenience but we all could step outside-”

Gabriel tries to stand up again, but he can’t seem to feel his legs.

There was a numbing ache all over his body, like small pin pricks on every inch of his flesh.

As he once again attempts to push himself off the floor, he sees that his hands are covered in black scales upto his elbows, his nails are sharp and claw-like. Scarred fins have sprouted on his forearms.

‘Oh no! Nononononono- ’

He frantically looks down at the rest of his body.

Where his legs should be was a long fishtail - black, obsidian scales at the end that lighten up into a bright, ruby red as they get closer to his torso.

Gills on his sides open and close frantically, gasping for oxygen- for water.

His hair that he meticulously keeps in a trendy undercut was now extremely long, curly, wild and tangled.

He quickly takes hold of the amulet of crystal around his neck, usually it glowed a distracting bright blue causing him to hide it under layers of clothes- the crystal was now dull, a clear sign that it no longer bore the strong spell that it once held and sustained.

“Wa-wa… water!” Gabriel begs, his voice sounded hoarse and pained.

“Genji!” Amélie ordered, her usually neat bun now in a disarray. “Get those spray bottles from out back, make sure to fill them with water”

“On it! ” And off he goes in a blur of bright green.

“Gabi? You okay? You hit your head?” Sombra was kneeling beside Gabriel with Fareeha and Amélie struggling to put him into a sitting position. Carefully, Sombra puts a glass of water to Gabriel’s lips.

“I… I’m okay…” Gabriel replies between sips. “I think… the amulet’s dead…”

“Impossible,” Fareeha mumbles out a reply as she inspects the crystal. “I saw how mother made this for you, this was supposed to last you another half century-”

“Well it didn’t… ‘cause I’m currently on the floor literally a fish out of water!” Gabriel says harshly, flashing sharp fangs he didn’t realize that grew back, as he takes off the amulet and handing it over to Fareeha. She flinched slightly at his harsh tone.

“Sorry, sorry, I didn’t mean to shout,” Gabriel gave out a sigh of exasperation, running a hand through wild, untamed curls. ‘ I remember now why I keep it short, I DON’T miss this… ’

Genji finally returned with 6 spray bottles in his arms. Amélie and Sombra took two each and begin spraying water all over Gabriel. He started to feel a little less dry, but it wasn’t enough - he needed this to be fixed real soon.

“It’s okay, I will take this to mother immediately- but it might take a while for her to fix this…” Fareeha replied sadly as she pockets the amulet, “Give or take 3 days?”

“3 days!?! Okay… 3 days…” Gabriel’s eyes went wide, nodding mindlessly. “Right- uuuh, I can’t stay like this for 3 da… urk!”

He is trying real hard to take big gulps of air, his human lungs were barely working properly. The shock of the sudden transition messed them up somehow. With a few deep breaths the tightness in his chest lessens.

“We need to take him to the beach!” Genji slowly puts an arm around Gabriel.

“We can’t carry him all the way!?! He’s too heavy - Sorry Gabi…” Sombra argues back and gives a non-apologetic smile at Gabriel’s glaring.

“Let me...” Fareeha switches with Genji, she quickly positions her arms around Gabriel’s lower back and near his tail end. As she lifts him up, Gabriel can feel her failing to get a good hold on him and her stance wavering.

“This won’t work, I’m twice your weight Fareeha - especially with the tail,” Gabriel says as Fareeha lays him down on the floor, her arms still around him.

“Then what are we supposed to do Gabe-” Fareeha sounded out of breath, her voice strained.

A small coughing from behind made them all turn around to see Blondie in Table 8 standing in front of the counter.

“Uh, hi…” Mr. Table 8 gives a small nervous smile and a little wave to everyone. “I might be able to help? I'm Jack.”

Mr. Table 8-Jack was getting nervous with all eyes on him, a small blush was already showing up - highlighting a cute dusting of freckles on his cheeks.

Now that he was no longer sitting down, Gabriel finally notices how tall he was - maybe taller by a couple of inches even if he was standing on his legs, if he got his legs back. Jack was also no longer wearing his jacket, his short-sleeved shirt revealing his very muscular biceps.

“I’m gonna put my hands around you, okay?” Jack asked politely and Gabriel gave back a small nod in reply.

‘Hoo~ boy… ’ Gabriel thinks as Jack replaces Fareeha by his side and then strong muscled arms are around him in preparation for a bridal style carry.

“Put your arms around my neck, if you don’t mind?” Jack’s breath tickled his ear, it sent shivers down Gabriel’s spine as he brings his arms around Jack’s neck. “I’m going to lift you now, okay?”

“Yeah, I’m ready.” Gabriel nods and Jack takes a deep breath. With a grunt, up Gabriel goes, cradled in Jack’s arms. Gabriel nails dig a little deeper into Jack’s shoulder unintentionally as he gets lifted of the ground.

“Okay, okay…” Jack says, a little breathless. “I think we are good! Can someone hold on to his tail?”

“I got it, I got it!” Fareeha quickly goes beside Jack and lifts the lower half of Gabriel’s tail.

“Amélie, close up shop for now - report to Akande asap,” Gabriel says quietly, feeling a little lightheaded, “Genji, Sombra - grab those bottles and come with us.”

“We good to go?” Jack asks politely, his blue eyes going to each staff member before landing on to Gabriel.

‘Damn… they’re really blue… ’ Gabriel nods again in reply, hoping and praying that he wasn’t blushing too hard.

Together Jack and Fareeha carefully carry Gabriel out of the shop and outside - the beach, the sea, just across the street from them. Sombra opens up an umbrella to shield Gabriel from the hot sun while Genji continues to spray water on his gills. They ignore the few stares they have been getting from passers by.

“You’re pretty strong,” Gabriel mutters quietly, forgetting that he was close enough that Jack can hear him. “Uhh… Thanks… for uh…” Gabriel waves his hand gesturing to their current situation.

“Yeah, no problem,” Jack quickly answers and flashes him a too bright smile, “Happy to help…”

“G-Gabriel. My name is Gabriel,” Gabriel ignores how his heart skips a beat just like how he ignores the knowing looks from Genji, Sombra, and Fareeha.

“Oh! I’m happy to help, Gabriel, ” Jack says as he carefully readjusts his hold on Gabriel, holding him closer to his body. Gabriel’s lips were just centimeters away from the skin on Jack’s neck, so close that he could count all the constellations of freckles he had.

Gabriel is trying hard not to think how warm Jack felt, or how comfortable but also really safe he feels to be held in his arms - the skin of Jack’s arm against the bare flesh of Gabriel’s back. He can’t even look up to see how the sunlight casts a golden glow on Jack’s blond hair or stare into those true blue eyes.

The group efficiently crossed the road, cleverly avoiding traffic while carrying a merman, an umbrella, and several spray bottles. They finally reached the beach, sand crunching beneath their feet. Gabriel can smell the saltiness of the sea and feel the cool breeze. He feels the soft hum of pure energy all over his body the nearer he gets to the sea.

“Drop me here. I can do the rest,” Gabriel announces to his friends and Jack, patting Jack’s shoulders. “Thanks for the help, Jack-”

“Nonsense, I can take you to the water,” Jack continues walking towards the sea, Gabriel still in his arms. Fareeha, Sombra and Genji remain by the shore.

“You're getting wet, you idiot,” Gabriel complained as he looked down at Jack’s boots and pants getting splashed on by the waves.

“And I can’t let you drag yourself into the water in your state when it is much safer for me to keep carrying you until we reach a more acceptable depth.” Jack says cheerily.

When the water was about 3 feet deep, Jack carefully lowers Gabriel - the temperature shift from the radiating warmth of Jack’s body and the coolness of the water sends another wave of shivers throughout Gabriel’s body.

Gabriel swims a bit further until he is completely underwater, he takes in deep breathes - forcing an equilibrium between his human lungs and gills. His scales are a bit damaged from the fall and the sun exposure - but they’ll heal with magic. He feels some part of him sing in rejoice and jubilation to finally return to the water.

“GAH! It’s been so long!” Gabriel shouted as he resurfaced, relief washing over the faces of his friends and Jack. With his tail, he splashed around a few times, getting used to the feeling of having it again - together with the fins, claws, sharp teeth, and long hair.

“Fareeha, are you sure that there isn’t anyway for the amulet to get fixed faster?” Gabriel swam nearer to the shore, right beside Jack who hasn’t left the water yet. Sombra and Genji comfortably sitting on the sand while Fareeha stands behind them.

“Unless I can figure out what happened to it in the first place, make a proper diagnosis to prevent this from happening again - it’s gonna take awhile for mother to reinforce the right set of spells, even with my help…” Fareeha replies as she takes the amulet out of her pocket to inspect it further.

Jack slowly raises his hand, his face red with shame.

“Um… I can answer that…” Jack puts his hands in his pockets, taking deep breaths as he feels all eyes were on him once again. He looked at Gabriel as he began to explain.

“I’m a mage whose specialty is in breaking curses and undoing spells, I was kinda practicing this new spell at your shop when I k-kinda lost focused and the spell must’ve been casted on you purely by mistake…”

“You must be pretty strong,” Sombra’s eyes were glowing purple with interest, “A miscasted spell undoing a century old Transfiguration charm enchanted by not just one Amari, but by two?”

Jack feels worry and guilt build up in his gut. He really can’t say that the real reason that he lost focused was because the moment Gabriel walked into the shop, he felt breathless and couldn’t stop thinking about how beautiful he was. How the man kept popping up in his mind which caused him to lose focus and cause the spell's misdirection.

“Behave, Olivia…” Gabriel says out loud with a deep, commanding voice, using what Jack assumes is Sombra’s true name.

“Ugh! Fiiine…” Sombra whined but her smile grew a bit wider. She whips out her phone from her pocket as she checks out the few texts that just popped up. “Anywaay - I sent out an SOS and someone replied that they can may be able to make you a really good Glamour that can give you temporary humanity…”

“What’s the catch?” Genji looks at Sombra with a little suspicion.

“Well… it’s O’Deorain, the Black Witch-in-training…” Sombra says with a grimace, her eyes still on her phone. “And she says her price is negotiable…”

“I say we take it,” Fareeha adds, “The Glamour won’t be on you longer than 3 days, and since nothing is really wrong with the amulet - it won’t take long for us to recast the spell…”

“That’s fine,” Gabriel shrugs casually, running a hand through his long wet hair, “Money isn’t an option - give Moira a text that I accept.”

Sombra quickly types out a reply, and quickly her phone chimes.

“She said she is on her way with her stuff,” Sombra stands up as she pockets her phone and wipes of sand from her pants. “I’m meeting her at the Teahouse, so I’m gonna be getting back…” Sombra kicks Genji's thigh lightly.

“I too shall return to the Teahouse,” Genji quickly stands as well. “We can’t be closed for the whole day and Miss Amélie will need assistance until Mccree and Mei arrive for their shift…”

“I need to get this amulet to mother before my break is over…” Fareeha says with an impish look on her face - which was shared amongst Sombra and Genji, as well.

Gabriel doesn’t like where this is going.

“It was nice meeting you, Jack!” Fareeha smile was a tad too big as she waves to Jack.

“Yeah, thanks for your help - even if you did kinda caused it in the fi-” Sombra immediately covers Genji’s mouth before he says another word.

“What Genji meant was that, you’re a really cool dude - come by the shop anytime,” Sombra gives them a wink and a little wave. “You guys hang on tight until Moira gets here with her bag of tricks!” She gets her arm around Genji’s shoulder as they both walk back to the shop, Fareeha right behind them.

“You can go by the way… Nothing’s stopping you,” Gabriel tells Jack as he swims a bit further that earlier, half tempted to swim to the deepest part of the sea.

“I don’t mind waiting a little bit longer… just until you’re back on your feet,” Jack says faking an innocent smile. Gabriel can’t help but laugh at how horrible that joke sounded.

“But really…” Jack’s face goes serious, then concerned, “I’m not sure what else that spell did to you, so I’m sort of keeping watch for any other side effects.”

Jack gives a nervous giggle, “And… I’m really sorry about that.”

“Speaking of spells…” Gabriel starts as he gets nearer to Jack again, “Sombra's right, you are pretty powerful - undoing a century old spell with only a few choice words…”

Gabriel couldn’t help himself, he was in his element once again after a long time - he has become hyperaware of the energy surrounding this stranger before him and he is curious and intrigued, and maybe a bit turned on, to say the least.

“What is a mage of your caliber doing with just tampering with a few bad hexes and illusion spells,” Gabriel says carefully, his eyes never leaving Jack’s as the other man watches him in return. “Those spells are usually child’s play, as long as you know of the intent and methods the original spell was casted…”

“Well… that’s my job,” Jack replies, raising his hands defensively, “I just undo spells and break curses, it’s what I’m good at - I’m originally from Indiana and I got assigned to a client with a really complicated case so I’m actually out here investigating and doing some research…”

“A High Level Mage from Indiana - you’re a Morrison, aren’t you?” Gabriel lazily swims circles around Jack.

Jack stares at him wide-eyed as he gives a small nod.

“I have met your kind before… decades ago…” Gabriel continues, thinking about the time that he was still traveling the country.

“Really?”

“Yeah…they’re kinda the reason why I am not welcome in Chicago anymore,” Gabriel makes a face at the memory. He decides to go under the water to cool his head.

“Oh, seems like we didn’t give you much for a first impression?” Jack continues to watch how graceful Gabriel looks in the water.

How his scales look like gemstones under the light of the sun. His hair is almost reminiscent of smoke, how it ebbs and flows with the water.

“It happens,” Gabriel says nonchalantly as he resurfaces, distracting Jack from current train of thought, “So I pissed of a mage or two now and then, not really a big deal-”

“What about I make it up to you?” Jack says out loud, “In regards to today’s events, I owe you dinner…” Jack gives Gabriel his most charming smile.

“You owe me dinner?” Gabriel says with teasing tone, one eyebrow raised.

“Well… if dinner is a b-bit too much, maybe lunch - or even brunch?” Jack replies, feeling quite flustered.

“Dinner sounds lovely, Jack…” Gabriel says sincerely. “But I’ll take a raincheck on that dinner for now… because…” Gabriel waves his red-to-black tail in front of Jack before splashing a bit of water at him.

“R-right, right… of course,” Jack stammers out a reply. “And again… I’m really sorry about that-”

“Yeah, I hope you are…” Gabriel says with no actual malice. “It’s really inconveniencing, especially when this really cute guy asks you out to dinner but you don’t know where your wallet or phone or your pants have disappeared off to when you magically regain a fishtail.”

“I’m really, really sorry-” ‘ Wait… he thinks I’m cute? ’

“Yo Lovebirds! We’re back!” Sombra shouts from behind them bringing a small bag with her.

“What did you do now, Gabriel?” A tall redheaded woman sounded almost amused, she had a rather cruel looking smile on her face and mismatched eyes were glowing with mirth.

“For your information, Moira…” Gabriel huffs, crossing his arms, “This time it wasn’t my fault...”

“Riiight…” Moira rolls up her pants and takes off her shoes as she steps into the water. As she walks towards Jack, extending a hand out. Jack shakes it politely.

“I’m Moira O’Deorain,” She introduces herself to Jack, “And you must be the mage responsible for this?”

“Um.. yeah, I’m Jack…” Jack feels uncomfortable under the scrutiny of Moira’s gaze.

“Moira!” Gabriel splashes her lightly, “Are we doing this or what?”

“Because of that, I’ll make you pay double…” Moira walks towards Gabriel as he makes a face at her.

Gabriel's eyes slowly go back to Jack and he gives him an apologetic smile.

“This might take awhile, Jack…” Gabriel swims to Jack and takes his hand, and swims towards the shore, guiding him. “Why don’t you head on home and get a change of clothes? Come back to the Talon Teahouse tomorrow morning, I’ll be there and we can talk about this dinner further until then…”

“Sounds like a date…” Jack chuckles at how Gabriel’s face turns red for a millisecond. Jack finally reaches the shore, Gabriel by the edge of the water.

“See ya later, Gabe,” Jack gives a little wave at Gabriel

“See ya. Jack…” Gabriel waves back before swimming back to Moira

“Jack! Jack! Over here!” Sombra calls for him by her little spot under the shade of a tree.

Jack makes his way to Sombra, ignoring how cold he feels from his now wet clothes.

She was holding a small brown paper bag and a regular sized paper cup with a lid.

“Here,” Sombra says as she hands them over to Jack, “This is me apologizing for my behavior from before - it’s a cinnamon roll and some special tea, it’ll help keep you warm.”

“Apology accepted then...” Jack says as he finally notices that he was shivering a bit, he takes a polite sip of tea. The sweet smell and warmth of the tea already taking effect, but he still needs to go home and change. Jack’s gaze wanders to where he parked his car, he prays silently that the meter hasn’t ran out yet.

“Don’t worry about it, I paid for your meter…” Sombra says sweetly, “No need to pay me back… you aren’t the only one here who has quirky little specialties.” Her eyes glow purple for a half second before returning to their natural brown.

“Thank you again… I really am sorry about all this-” Jack begins to apologize again, but Sombra raises a finger at him.

“Eh… Water under the bridge! Don’t beat yourself too much about it!” Sombra said as she suddenly has her phone in her hands and is typing something real fast.

“I just sent you Gabe’s new number - just got him a new phone and other stuff…” Sombra continues to type away on her phone.

“Uhh… I don’t think I gave you my number?” Jack looks at Sombra suspiciously.

“Don’t worry about it, I promise I use my powers for good… most of the time,” Sombra gives Jack a wink. “Don’t forget to text him as soon as tonight, by the way!”

“If you say so…” Jack sighs, it seems that his stay in Los Angeles is going to be very eventful. “It was nice seeing you again,Sombra…”

“Likewise! Don’t be a stranger now, you are always welcomed at the Talon Teahouse.” Sombra gives him her best customer service smile.

“Is that what you always say to people who casts spells on your co-workers?” Jack asks with a smirk.

“He’s my boss, actually,” Sombra giggles and gives him a wicked smile back, “But only when they are obviously mutually crushing each other hard!”

Jack begins to make his way towards his car. He turns around for a minute, looking back at the sea behind him. He spots Moira and Gabriel still in the water, trying out different spells to see which one would stick.

Jack smiles to himself as he enters his car, his notes and the wooden box on the passenger seat. He gets his leather jacket and searches for his phone in one of the pockets. He finds it and opens the message from Sombra. He reads the number of one Gabriel Reyes and saves it to his contacts.

#reaper76 #overwatch #r76 #reaper #soldier 76 #gabriel reyes #jack morrison #mermaid!gabe #modern fantasy au #writings by frances #stories by frances

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