Someone Save Me from My New Neighbor!

3

Chapter Three

The back yard of this place was even more impressive than the inside; There was a massive pool, as well as a hot tub and a firepit. A fence surrounded everything, and there was a gate that led right onto the beach. It was still far too early to start a fire, and it is way too hot for the hot tub. We could either swim in the pool or go play in the ocean. 

Nami and Vivi went to the beach, Luffy and his brothers hopped in the pool, and Zoro walked over towards the fire pit, alone. I bit my lip, not sure where to go. To be honest, I didn't really want to get wet right now, but I did want a cigarette. I reached into my pocket, pulled out my pack of cigarettes and followed moss head.

When he sat down and noticed me coming, he grinned and patted the spot next to him. "I figured you'd go join your friends."

"I'm not in the mood to swim with them just yet," I answered as I sat across from him. No way in hell was I sitting next to him. "I need to smoke before I go deal with all that chaos. How come you're not getting in?"

He shrugged and tipped his head back as he drank his beer. "I'll get in later, just not up for it right now. I'm really waiting until tonight, so I can step in that hot tub. I work out a lot, and it would really help me relax my muscles."

"That does sound nice."

"Then you should join me."

Our eyes met, and as usual, I was the first to look away. Maybe sitting across from him was a bad idea. I nibbled on my lip and said, "I'll think about it as long as you promise not to try anything weird." 

His head dropped as he sighed. When he looked back at me, there was a soft grin on his face. "I'll try my best."

I pursed my lip, trying to stop my own smile from showing. "You better."

"Or what?" He cocked his head to the side, daringly. It was almost too much for me to take. I dabbed out my cigarette and stood up. 

"I'm going to join the other three. I'll see you later, moss head."

I hurried off towards the pool. I put my smokes and lighter in a safe spot and dove straight into the water. The water felt amazing on my reddened face. When my head resurfaced, I pushed my hair back and took a deep breath.

I ran away again, and to make it worse, I gave him a nickname. The other guys started swimming towards me, and I pushed Zoro out of my head. We played Marco, Pollo, chicken, and just went around chasing each other around the pool. About an hour or so later, we climbed out and called out for the girls to see if they wanted to eat with us and start drinking. Since Zoro was the only dry one, and we forgot our towels, he was nice enough to go inside and get us some.

"Thanks, Zoro," I said when he handed me one.

"No problem, cook," he responded smugly. Oh, so given me one too? Copycat.         

I scowled at him as he handed a towel to Vivi. "Thanks! Man, I'm so ready to eat."

"I know, right?" Ace said as he wrapped his towel around his waist. Sanji makes the best food, too. I'm about to go ham on that shit."

"Oh, shut up," I mumbled, even though a satisfied smile was plastered to my face. My food isn't that good."

"Looks like Sanji likes hearing praise," Nami teased. She pinched me on the noise as she walked towards the porch.

"Who doesn't like someone complimenting their work?" I argued and followed after her.                

"He has a point," Sabo agreed behind me.