I couldn't sleep that night. My mind was full of worries, I could hear the boys snoring in the other room and the moonlight was too bright for my taste. Nami on the other hand was sleeping like a baby. Sugar nuzzled into my side and I began petting her fur.

"How can anyone sleep with so much on their shoulders?" I whispered into Sugar's ear. Before Nami fell asleep, she told me about Vivi and her situation. She was the princess of Alabasta, which was at the beak of corruption. A pirate named Crocodile was trying to destroy the country and they were going to save it.

I closed my eyes, begging my brain to shut up, and sighed as I figured that won't be possible. I kissed Sugar on the top of her head and got up. After walking out of the room, I decided to climb up to crow's nest and keep Zoro, who was on guard duty tonight, company. I didn't know much of the man, other than that he was Luffy's right hand and very scary. He did seem familiar tho.

When I finally landed next to the man's body, I expected to see one of his infamous glares, but instead got an adorable scene where his face was squished alongside the fence and saliva was dripping down his chin. I bit my lip, unsure whether I should wake him up or leave him be. There was a huge chance he would yell at me if I did the first, but I also couldn't let him slack of.

"Zoro!" I shook his body, but he was out cold. "Hey, wake up!" I gave up when he didn't wake up, after I slapped him a few times, and decided to keep watch for the night. A few hours later, just as I was getting sleepy, I saw Sanji walk out of the boy's room. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw me and I waved at him.

"Candy-chan, what are you doing awake? Is marimo with you?" I giggled and shrugged.

"I couldn't sleep so I wanted to be of some help by taking watch duty tonight. I told Zoro-san he could take a nap."

"Oh, I see. Well, the breakfast should be ready in about half an hour, so come to the kitchen then." He dissapeared behind the door and I heard groaning behind me.

Suddenly I felt something cold and sharp on my neck. My heartbeat sped up and I wanted to scream but Zoro put his hand over my mouth. I blinked rapidly in fear that his katana might pierce my skin, but he let go just as fast as he attacked me. I turned around and wanted to ask him what was his problem, but no words left my mouth. I just gulped, my heartbeat still strong in my chest, and watched the man wipe away the saliva that gathered on his chin from sleeping.

"Yah, Candy!" His voice told me he wasn't pleased. I automatically straightened up and prepared myself for some scolding although I had no idea what I did wrong. "Why the hell would you sneak up on me like that?" His nose scrunched up in annoyance.

"I-I didn't." I stuttered. Zoro shook his head in disapproval and glared at me.

"So... You're planning to stay with us for good?" He sat on the fence.

"I haven't decided yet. Why?" I asked him curious, but he only shrugged in an awkward manner. "You look very familiar. Have we met somewhere?"

"I highly doubt that." Zoro smirked. "But you know... Once he calls you his crew mate, he'll always be chasing you."

I smiled and stared at the orange horizon. "I know, Zoro." I ignored his scoff. "I can do this!" I assured myself in hopes it's true. "I'll find the princess today and bring her back here. And then we'll save Alabasta. And I'll make a desert flower cake to celebrate."

We heard Sanji yell "Breakfast is ready!" and I started to climb down while Zoro stayed in the crow's nest. Just when I jumped on the floor, I saw Luffy run toward me with a huge grin on his face.

"Meat!" His voice yelled. He ignored my "Good morning!" and ran right past me through the open door. I sighed and followed him. After taking a seat at the end of the table, Sanji brought me a plate of delicious pancakes. The breakfast was loud, with everyone arguing and laughing, while Luffy continuously yelled "Another!".

In the end, I was so full that I could barely speak and just wanted to go to sleep. But there was something I had to do, and it was very important. To everyone.

So the crew chose me and Usopp to go find Vivi and her duck. They lent us a small boat, that we could barely fit in, to get to the shore. Throughout the ride, Usopp kept telling me stories about his and Luffy's adventures. I couldn't stop smiling, it made me so happy, even though I was fairly positive he made up some things. And after landing safely on shore and walking to the city, I couldn't stop thinking about the journeys me and Luffy might share one day.

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Thank you all so much for reading, voting and commenting! It means the world to me!
I know this could be counted as a filler chapter, but I really wanted to write a Zoro scene since he hasn't interacted with her that much. I'd love to hear your wishes if there's any character you want in more scenes or the reader to get close to (other than Luffy of course).

Until next time.

~ChocolateLuffy ٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶