"Yes, please make sure it's spelled correctly, there is actually a space between straw and hats." You muttered quickly making your way to the tour bus.

The voice on the other line responded lazily, you just knew the jackass wasn't listening. You hung up taking a seat on the small sofa next to the greenette bass player.

"You weren't at rehearsal."

His half-lidded gaze met yours, "I fell asleep."

"Zoro, you absolutely have to be at soundcheck. You guys are killing me." You groaned pinching the bridge of your nose.

"Did I hear F/N?" Sanji called from somewhere in the back.

You rolled your eyes waiting for the list of things the needy blond had to have before tonight's show, surprised when he only sat next to you on the arm of the sofa.

"Cigarette?" He slipped two out of the breast pocket of his black vest.

"Take that shit outside! I can't breathe in all of your poisons before a show!" Nami shouted from her bunk.

"And you shouldn't shout either." Sanji added calmly escorting you outside before striking a match for you.

"You really should quit you know." You took a long drag from the menthol, "It's a disgusting habit."

"Yeah," The blond chuckled, "Calmed you right down though."

"Shut up. This didn't happen. Law will never let me hear the end of it."

"Right right. So, have you seen him yet?" Sanji quirked a curly brow.

"Who?" You asked, "I've seen a billion people today."

"Ya know ... The rooster haired guy."

You let out a deflated sigh, "I completely forgot about him."

"That's surprising. Are you sure you're ok?" He placed the back of his hand on your forehead.

"Yes, I'm totally fine." You swatted at the pianist.

"F/N!!!!!" Luffy's voice sounded as the raven dangled out of the back window of the bus.

"Luffy please you're going to hurt yourself!" You smashed the butt and marched back onto the bus Sanji following behind.

"You shouldn't be smoking. Traffy tells you all the time h-" You held your hand up, not about to be lectured by someone so much younger than you.

"Yes, I know. Also, Traffy isn't here today. Thirdly, blame Sanji he gave me the smoke." You smirked as Sanji drew your name out into a long whine.

This was your life, co-managing this indie band of misfits that drove you absolutely crazy. Nami sings and plays guitar, Zoro is on bass, Sanji manned a piano or keyboard depending on the song and the most popular member of the band of course was Luffy on drums.

They weren't topping the charts but were fairly popular especially here in their home state. The only issue with touring there was the strong willed superfan that followed you from city to city.

He was front row at every show and almost always trying to get back stage. In fact, he frequented so many shows and tried to climb over the ropes so many times you knew his name. Hell, you could spot him in a crowd of people disguised as him! Bartolomeo.

He really was a nice enough guy. It's not like he was trying to hurt anyone which is why despite Law's best wishes you hadn't banned him. You knew it would just shatter the poor greenette's heart.

"He's here." Zoro muttered seemingly uninterested as he glared toward the roped off parking lot.

Following Zoro's eyes you caught his wild green hair weaving through the small crowd that was beginning to throng at the amphitheater's entrance. An involuntary smile graced your lips that only Sanji caught, coughing lightly to gain your attention. The blond was the only one clued in on your strange, you wouldn't allow yourself to call it a crush, but honestly that's what it was.

Fine.

Whatever.

So you found it a little endearing how he fawned over the band. And he wasn't hard on the eyes, maybe not conventionally attractive like your business partner or even the guys in the band, but you thought he was cute.

"Should we let him back stage tonight?" Zoro asked surveying the bus.

"It is the last night of the tour." Sanji nodded.

"He's creepy though." Nami whined.

It took more of you than you wanted to admit to not glare at the temperamental ginger haired woman.

Before anyone realized it, the bus door was slamming.

"God damnit," You scrambled passed everyone, "Luffy get your skinny ass back here!" You whisper-yelled trying not to attract the crowd's attention.

You whipped your phone out dialing furiously.

"Yo?"

"Ace... I need you guys in the parking lot near the entrance. Luffy got away from me." You shuffled as quickly as your heels would allow behind the raven haired young man.

"On it!" Ace chirped.

"Hey Rooster Head!" Luffy shouted effectively gaining the gaze of a few hundred screaming girls.

The "rooster head" in question spinning around, garnet eyes glossing over with joy as he gushed over the drummer.

"C'mere!" Luffy called motioning toward himself ignoring the hoard of women calling for him.

Bartolomeo politely shoved his way to the aluminum gate.

"H-hi L-luffy!" He stammered excited turning toward you as you swiftly approached, "F/N! How are you?"

A brown pick-up screeched to a halt as Marco, Ace, Sabo and a few other men dismounted and began crowd control.

"You're coming with us tonight shishishi!" Luffy called, "Right F/N?"

"If that's what you'd like. I can arrange it." You smiled softly.

"Really?!" The greenette grasped your hands, cheeks glowing.

"S-sure." You sheepishly replied.

Ace helped Bartolomeo over the gate while his brothers continued to push the crowd back.

"We can talk more on the bus. I'm getting a headache and your food should here soon." You turned to guide both men back.

"Food! Finally! I'm starving!" The ravenette cheered marching forward.

"I-is this really ok?" Bartolomeo asked catching your stride, "That creepy yellow eyed guy never let's me behind the gate."

You chuckled at his reference to Law.

"It's completely fine. The creepy guy is sick today." His child like grin at your answer didn't go unnoticed.

"And...and dinner with the Straw Hats?" He murmured probably to himself.

"Seems Luffy wants to treat you for your loyalty to the band. Zoro even suggested you come back stage."

He froze.

Ah I broke him.

"R-roronoa Zoro... Said ...I...should c-come back stage?!" His voice thick with disbelief.

That made sense. Zoro is pretty notorious for his cold attitude, really, he just not paying attention. Or seems to not be paying attention. He has real sweet moments though you wouldn't believe it either if you hadn't witnessed them. Last year he was the only one that remembered your birthday.

"Hah, yes he did. Come on we can't stand out here all night." You hesitantly took his hand to lead the way.

He gave your fingers a squeeze as you stepped onto the bus.

"Sanji is setting the table." Nami informed you eyeballing your fingers still laced with Bartolomeo's.

His shoulders shrank under her glare while he smiled nervously.

"You can sit anywhere. Sorry there isn't much room." You nodded toward the bench seat opposite you.

Sanji handed him a plate as the others made their way through the small space loading up and finding a comfortable place to dine. You went last only grabbing a few finger sandwiches and taking a seat next to Bartolomeo. He'd gone into a surprisingly shy state. You guessed he was a bit overwhelmed being surrounded by his idols.

"You must have a pretty flexible job if they let you follow us all over the state twice a year." Sanji commented.

"I'm self-employed actually." The greenette nervously fiddled with his septum piercing.

"Must be nice." You added.

"It is. I own a security service." He explained.

"Hmm maybe we'll contact you if Ace and the boys need extra hands on the next tour." You hummed thoughtfully.

He lit up, "That would be amazing!"

In a matter of minutes he'd opened up and was making Luffy laugh, even Zoro seemed to enjoy his company. You sat quietly observing the group until an alarm went off on your phone.

"Shit. Time for soundcheck. Sanji can you make sure everyone gets changed and to the stage in 20 minutes. I have to go make sure the opening band is getting ready." You stood silencing your phone.

Sanji nodded shuffling Luffy to the back to get cleaned up. Bartolomeo caught your wrist before you could step away making your heart jump.

"Ah... you should come with me sense I don't have passes for you." You flushed at the sudden contact.

You made your way to the smaller bus which was already trashed. Loud music and beer bottles clinking together drowned out the sound of your knocking. With a heavy sigh you just opened the door and let yourself in. The tall redhead who fronted the band held up is hand signaling for his bandmates to quiet down.

"They sent a pretty woman this time." He moved toward you.

"Right," You rolled your eyes, "I just came to –"

He closed in on you quickly, "It's nice to not have to deal with that grumpy bastard."

"That grumpy bastard gets you paying gigs so you should think twice before insulting him." You snapped stepping back to regain some personal space.

"She's got spunk." His painted lips curled into a smile as he turned to the masked member of his group.

"Kid, maybe you should give her a little room." The masked blond suggested.

"You're no fun." Kid frowned.

"Anyway," You continued, "I was just coming by to make sure you guys are all set. The Straw Hats have sound check in a few minutes and then the gates open so you've got about an hour before you head to the stage."

"We'll be there on time. Don't you worry ~ " He brought his hand up to your face only to be blocked by the person behind you.

Kid's tawny eyes snapped up passed your left shoulder where the foreign arm reached.

"I don't think she give you permission to touch her." Bartolomeo muttered in an unfamiliarly stern tone.

Kid frowned pulling back, "Fine. We'll see you in an hour."

You continued through your pre-show check list as Bartolomeo trailed behind offering help occasionally. Finally, the show started. The two of you stood on the wings of the stage just passed the curtains. You'd seen the same set so many times you didn't usually pay attention until it was time for instrument changes or stopping Luffy from carrying on too long between songs.

Tonight was different. The energy emanating from the man standing next to you was rather intoxicating. He was so content to see them play even if it was the billionth time. He sang every word to every song, excitement never leaving his gaze. It was refreshing. Normally you watched along with Law who grumbled and made notes about things that needed to be fixed during the next set. You'd almost forgotten how much you enjoyed watching them preform.

He brushed against you as he swayed, blush creeping over both of your faces when your eyes met.

The concert ended just after midnight but there was still quite a bit for you to finish up. You'd sent Bartolomeo back to the bus with the band, who was suddenly very comfortable with his presence. Maybe you really would call him for security help with the next tour. Law would take some convincing.

"Coming back to the hotel with us?" Kid's voice caught your ear as you made your way from back stage.

"No thanks." You rolled your eyes, "You shouldn't be back here this late."

"Killer forgot his lucky drum sticks. What are you doing all alone in the dark?" He caught your stride.

"Just closing up. Have a good night." You turned the corner toward the parking lot.

"I was serious. Come play with us." He reached for your hand.

"And I'm serious...no." You wiggled your fingers from his grasp.

"F/N?" Bartolomeo called from the path that led to the amphitheater.

"Not this guy again." Kid groaned.

"Am I interrupting something?" He asked quickening his pace.

"Yes." Kid spat.

"I thought we were clear about touching earlier." He commented watching you rub your hand.

"What are you gonna do about it?" Kid scoffed.

"Please, I eat guys like you for lunch." The greenette swiftly raised his knee making contact with Kid's crotch.

The redhead slumped forward groaning as Bartolomeo reached out for you.

"That's twice, I owe you." You chuckled making your way to the parking lot.

"Really, I owe you. I don't think there's anything I could do to pay you back for today." He grinned.

"Don't mention it. I think they had fun with you too." You swept your hair behind your ear feeling a bit nervous," Do you need me to call you a cab or something?"

"No no I'm parked nearby." He rubbed the back of his neck, "Uh – can I see your phone for a moment?"

Your eyes widened a bit at his sudden request but you silently surrendered the device. He tapped the screen a few times and handed it back to you.

"T-there... now you have my number."

"Oh, right so I can call you about working for the next tour." You felt silly for flushing thankfully it was dark out.

"Uh – uhm – well ... that too I guess." He fumbled rubbing his cheek.

How'd did he go from knight in shining armor to stammering cinnamon roll in such a short time?

"Believe it or not I think I had more fun with you tonight than I would have just watching from the grass."

Nerves spiked in your chest as your lips parted, "But I was just working..."

"It's just... your energy and you can tell you love what you do. Even though you were working it was really fun and still kind of felt like... a date?" He was blushing wildly now, "I was sort of hoping we could maybe – "

"Yes." You interrupted covering your mouth embarrassed that your heart betrayed you like that.

His garnet eyes glazed over as they had when he spoke to Luffy, "R-really?!"

You offered a small nod.

"F/N?!" Zoro's voice carried across the lot.

"In a minute!" You called back.

"I'll let you get back." He smiled softly.

"Y-yeah. I'll call you tomorrow?"

"Looking forward to it." He hesitated before leaning down to peck your cheek, "Good night"

"Yeah." You breathed watching him stalk away.

A/N ~~ Hey y'all! Hope you enjoyed this little one shot. It was a nice challenge sense he hasn't had much manga or screen time. I had a lot of fun writing it!

AbyssCronica I hope this lives up to any expectations you had!