In Another Reality

Misaki (part 15)

      Writer's note: I really didn't feel the need to write another chapter for the mini series but this is just a cute little wrap up. Please send me requests for One shots, and I will do my best to give you that as well! Put it on my message board or email if you want to do a private request (understandable). My username @yahoo

"Found you." Luffy said, making my heart jump around.

He wasn't wrong. It was like all my hesitation and doubt had been washed away. Luffy rubbed my cheek with him thumb, giving me goosebumps.

"I... I can't believe this is... that we're..." I muttered, unable to find the right words.

"I can." He said, softer than I think I had ever heard him speak.

He nuzzled my lips again before pressing them firmly against mine. I wrapped my arms around him, wishing I could somehow pull him closer.

"Luffy." I whispered against his lips, barely even audible.

"Yes?" He whispered back, mimicking me without even realizing it.

"I'm sorry." I said, opting to bury my face in his neck.

He sighed and wrapped his arms around me, soaking in the hug. "Don't be. 'S not like you knew how I felt. And I'm sorry. I feel like I've been acting. I dunno... like I'm entitled to you. I just... right before the storm, I realized how much it hurt to know you might... kiss someone else... or... worse..."

I could feel him get tense, and chose to squeeze him a little tighter. "I'm such an ass." I muttered.

"What? No you're not!" Luffy said, taking a step back so he could look at me. My hands clutched at his shoulders, keeping him from moving any farther away.

"Yes I am! Here I am... hopelessly in love with you and trying to fill the void somewhere else."

"You're in love with me?" Luffy said, a dumb smile sprawling across his face.

"That's what you took from that?!" I blinked, blushing as his smile grew. "My point is that I ignored it! I thought you would reject me!"

"Hey," He said, still stuck on what I said, "How do you know? That you love me?"

"Focus, Luffy!"

"Ok, you're not an ass, and the past is the past. Now it's your turn." He said, clutching the fabric on my back as he pulled me a little closer.

"I.." I could feel my face getting more red. "Well... isn't that what this is? It feels..." I could feel my chest ache. "So right... doesn't it? Like I didn't feel like this with anybody else."

"I guess I don't have much to compare." Luffy said, making my shoulders drop. "No not like that! I just mean, you're the only one!"

"The only one.... What?" I asked, tilting my head. Luffy blushed and leaned forward, rubbing his nose against mine.

"That makes me wanna be mushy." He said sweetly, his smile getting even wider. "I just... wanna be by your side... I wanna be the one that holds your hand. That kisses you. That..."

He trailed off, looking at me expectantly as I raised my eyebrows. I let my hands slide back to his face, feeling like my face was on fire. "From now on, right?"

His grin widened. "Yes."

"Me too."

"Good." He said, kissing me on the cheek. "It would have sucked if you said no to that."

"I couldn't have." I said, pressing my forehead against his.

"You still haven't told me why."

"Because you're my person, Luffy. That's why."

"Ohhh, I like that." He chuckled. "Hey, how much you wanna bet at least half the crew has their ears pressed up against the door?"

"More or less?" I hummed.

"More." Luffy snickered.

"I think I'd lose that bet." I giggled.

Luffy reached out, letting his hand stretch all the way to the door and turned the knob, letting Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Franky, and Brook collapse onto the floor in front of them.

We both laughed as they stood up stark quick and leapt onto us.

"It's about time!" Nami squealed.

"YAY LUFFY!" Chopper yelled.

"I'm so happy for you, Ms. Misaki!" Brook said.

"WOWZA You guys! That's SUPERR GREAT!"

"I'm just so damn jealous, Captain!" Sanji whined.

Robin and Jimbei peaked in, smiling.

"It's about time." Robin said.

"You've got that right!" Jimbei said.

I looked around, realizing there was one person missing from all of this. I walked out, peering at the corner as Luffy hummed curiously at me. He snatched me by the hand and pulled me over to the swordsman, who looked up and smiled.

"Zoro?" I said softly.

"Zoro. Is this ok?" Luffy said, his smile gone.

"I'm just glad Misaki finally got her head out of her ass. It's been you all along, Captain."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked, a little annoyed by his response.

"It means if it ain't me, I'm glad it's Luffy. And I'm glad you were finally about to realize it."

I yanked Zoro up and hugged him, making him chuckle. He looked at Luffy and smiled.

"I'm happy for you, Captain. Don't screw it up."

"Right." Luffy grinned.