Living Life (One Piece AU)

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(Reena's POV)

Thick black leggings. A white long sleeve shirt. An oversized grey cardigan. A deep grey beanie. And a white scarf down to my knees. Even bundled in these, I was still freezing. I guess it didn't help that I didn't dry my hair after my two minute shower. If I had time, I would have dried my hair, but Kaku wanted to meet at ten and I didn't wake up and see his text until nine-fifty.

I looked down at my phone which was clutched between my frozen fingers. It was ten-thirty. I debated on going back upstairs to grab my gloves, but I decided against it. I didn't want to miss him.

Tucking my hands into my pockets, I blew out a breath of warm air.

"Noodle girl?"

I turned around to see Ace walking in my direction. He was a regular at the Ramen Shop where I worked.

"Noodle Girl, right? You work at Half Moon Ramen?"

I tried to smile, but my chattering teeth made it difficult. "Reena and yeah."

"I thought so! I'm not used to seeing you in regular clothes."

I laughed awkwardly, but that was it. I never actually talked to Ace before. Well, I have, but it was never a full on conversation. It was more of me asking if he wanted more water or a simple right away when he shouted Kae-Dama!

He rubbed his gloved hands together and blew hot breath into them. "I was just headed to grab some food. Are you working today?"

I nodded. "Mm!"

"Then I guess I'll see you there!" He grinned.

I nodded again, trying to smile. God it was cold.

While we stood there, I looked him over for a second. He was wearing a pair of black boots, black slacks, a fully-unbuttoned yellow shirt, and an unzipped black jacket. He always seemed to wear his coats and shirts open, even during the winter months. I never understood the logic of it. But I knew that most of the women he came in contact with didn't mind.

His eyes dropped to my hands which were now out of my pockets as I checked the time.

It was ten-forty-five.

"Huh?" I looked up at Ace as a pair of blue gloves were set on top of my phone.

He was still grinning. "You can borrow these."

"Are you sure?" Even though I asked, I put my phone away and slip the gloves on.

"Yeah! I'll see you at the ramen shop?"

"Yup," I answered waving him off with a chattering smile.

Just when he rounded a corner, a strong hand grabbed my shoulder and turned me around.

It was Kaku.

He was wearing a pair of blue jeans, white sneakers, and his famous orange jacket with blue sleeves. I say famous because he wore it more often than any other jacket he owned.

"Let's grab that coffee. I don't have a lot of time. I have work in twenty minutes."

"O-Ok," I answered. I was already nervous. I hated how nervous he made me. Even after years of being with him.

"Did you get home okay last night?" He asked, making small talk.

"Marco picked us up."