Chapter #16: The Proposal

Park

People are gathered since it's the weekend. "I've prepared exquisite dishes making use of flowers", Sanji opened the picnic basket. "Wha! They look aesthetic!", Nami and Carrot commented. Sanji's eyes became heart-shaped. "Of course. It's for you and also Airi-chwan", Sanji looked around and saw that she was missing.

"She said she'll take some time", Nami informed. "NO!!!", Sanji punched the ground. "It's so bouncy", Chopper poked one of the gelatin. "Oh, that is Nami's version", Sanji informed. "What do you mean?", Carrot tilted her head. Nami burned and gave a sarcastic smile. "Sanji", she muttered his name. A punch landed on his face and he fell to the ground.

"Oh, this doesn't have any fillings at all. It's plain flat", Zoro said raising the green gelatin. "Ah, that's for Air-", Sanji was about to say something but someone was already in front of him. "Do you have something else to say?", Airi looked down at him like a bug. She intentionally stepped on him. "Ah!~ You can step at me one more time", Sanji had a nosebleed.

"Why are we here again?", Zoro yawned and lied down. "We're here for tree viewing!", Luffy said with confidence. "Flower bloom viewing", Airi corrected. "Like that", Luffy nodded. "Then why is she here also", Ussop pointed at the pink head lady. "Oh, I will soon run as Student Council President. I just want to be acquainted with the former ones", Rebecca gave an innocent smile. "Eih?!!!", Luffy looked at her. "You're the one who brought her here", Nami sighed. "She fed me at a nearby ramen house", Luffy scratched his nape.

"I'll be treating you to a buffet. Would you step down with your candidacy?", Rebecca chuckled. Luffy stopped and thought. "Don't fall into the bait!", Ussop and Chopper shook him. Rebecca noticed Airi looking at her. "I wonder if you still want to be the Vice-President", Rebecca offered her hand. Nami and Carrot bit into their nails seeing how Airi's hand is reaching out to hers. She took green gelatin and dropped it on her hand. "Why do you want to run as the president?", Airi also handed a spoon. The group sighed in relief.

"I just want to regain our reputation", Rebecca said with a smile but Airi saw her eyes aren't laughing. "And also, growing up. I had always been in the side tracks. I just don't want any of the students feeling the same. I don't want students to feel they're invisible", Rebecca just laid her platform.

"Luffy, is that the reason why you also-", Chopper looked at him picking his nose. He threw a paper cup to him. "Focus", he got mad but Ussop held him back. "I just want to be free. The school president seems to be the freest position", he had a big smile. The group smiled with him even Airi who gave a weak one. Rebecca looked at each and finally realized something. "You're a formidable opponent", she put her game-face on.

Lake Park

Airi excused herself and Rebecca joined her. "Do you have a special relationship with Trafalgar-sensei?", Rebecca suddenly asked. Airi remembered something.

"None. You don't have to worry about us", Airi looked forward. "I'm not worried about..", Rebecca panicked and stuttered. "You like him?", Airi asked straightforwardly. Rebecca erupted. "How can you ask something so casually?", Rebecca pouted.

Airi didn't respond. "I've been visiting the hospital. He's really hard working. He doesn't seem to do well with people but he still cares and gives extra attention to his patients", Rebecca clasped her hands together. Airi just nodded. Rebecca narrated all her observations with Trafalgar.

"Are you his stalker?", Airi looked at Rebecca's flustered face.

"Nah! Not like that. Just looking at him makes me feel more motivated to be kinder to people", she explained. "If you like him, then that's good", Airi gave a short laugh. Rebecca was confused.

Airi remembered the wedding invitation she saw in Trafalgar's car.

Donquixote House

Dining Hall

"I did what you asked me to", Trafalgar dropped an envelope with important information inside. "Heh? That Ceasar blew it up. Now, we just have to surrender the children back to the child care", Doflamingo sipped through his wine.

"Are you prepared? You are expected to show up that night", Doflamingo pointed at the heart-shaped chair. "First was Baby 5 and now you're the one getting married. Why can't I also have a girlfriend?", Buffalo pouted and stabbed the chicken.

"Peto~Peto~ You will soon have your time", Trebol laughed. "She married someone she chose for herself. We're different", Trafalgar sat and looked at the banquet in front of him. "A high schooler? Are we serious here?", Diamante looked at the photo of the future bride. "Since she's still underage, we'll just be having an engagement party. I wonder if his grandfather already to the lady", Doflamingo played with his knife.

"Speaking of a high school, I met a rather interesting lady in a cafe shop you usually stay at. I haven't had the time to gather information about her. Is that cafe your safe haven?", Doflamingo smirked. Trafalgar stood up. "Don't...don't you dare do anything with that place", Trafalgar clenched his fists. "I won't. If I do, I might not meet her again", Doflamingo raised his hand. The doll behind him started moving as he manipulated them.

"As long as you don't try to escape", Doflamingo laughed.

Roger's House

"Airi-sama, you have a visitor", the maid knocked.

Living Room

Airi walked downstairs wondering who it might be. She was quite startled to see Kid. He was talking to the male workers. Kid saw her and gave a wave. He's wearing his police uniform. "Do you have to come here wearing your uniform?", Airi sat in front of him. "We will prepare for dinner as well", the maids went away. They served tea and baked cookies.

"I didn't know you were in a household like this", Kid said as he looked at the huge portrait. "What brought you here, Eustass-san?", Airi poured him tea. "Oh, this smell. I had one in Law's place. He never bothered scented teas", Kid informed. Airi's hand shook and spill the tea. "Sorry", Airi tried to get some tissue paper because it spilled in Kid's hand. He grabbed her wrist. "Don't mind", Kid removed his grip.

"I was just here to shove my guilt away", Kid leaned on the couch. "You see. Law is getting married", Kid opened. "Aren't you happy for him? For such a depressing person to finally get tied with someone", Airi somehow felt irritated.

"Uhmm, I have no issue with him getting married before me", Kid said with a straight face. "It's just that if he gets tied up. He won't be able to escape anymore", Kid said with bitterness in his tone. "Aren't you just concerned that he won't be able to run errands for you", Airi sighed. "How did you know?", Kid sat straight. "I guess people feel that way. He's been with you for quite some time. Now, if he's married, somethings will eventually change", Airi explained. "Wow. Are you a psychic?", Kid chuckled but painfully.

"If you're having such kind of fear, why don't you talk to the person himself?", Airi ate a cookie. "He's so much busy nowadays. Cleaning mess he didn't create", Kid looked at the tea. "I just hope he'll take some break", Kid closed his eyes.

"But men, he's really getting married before me. Young lamb, will you marry me?", Kid suddenly proposed. The maids were about to call them but they heard such a bold statement from the man.

"I'm not in the right age", Airi stood and led him towards the kitchen. "So, does that mean you'll do when you're in the right age?", Kid's eyes brightened having a glimpse of hope. "If I am able to reach that age, who knows", Airi said with a rather soft voice.

The Next Day,

School Ground

"Trafalgar-sensei. You're quite early today", Rebecca runs to catch up with the grumpy looking man. He just woke up because of the cat so he decided to get out of bed earlier.

"How is Emi-san doing? I heard she can already walk. Can I walk with her at the park this afternoon?", Rebecca asked. "Just don't stay outside too much", Trafalgar answered. "Also", Trafalgar was about to say something. "Oh, is that Luffy? This week is the election. I really want to win", Rebecca ran towards the lad sneaking inside the cafeteria.

"That's rare for Law-san to be goody good with a female", Nami and two other girls appeared behind him. Trafalgar didn't bother answering. "Say, Sensei. She's pretty, isn't she", Carrot poked his cheeks. Trafalgar caught her finger. "Stop prying in my-", Trafalgar turned and saw Airi looking at him. Something flashed in his mind.

"Life", he ended. "By the way, Law-san. We'll be volunteering in a hospice. Luffy suddenly agreed after meeting some random person on the street. We'd be needing an adult to accompany us. When are you free?", Nami clasped her hands and bowed very low.

"I've got three days off this Wednesday", Trafalgar answered. "Wait? What?! Lucky, that's the time we'll be having afternoon visits", Nami turned teary. "Hmm? Why are you having a three day off, are you in any case-", Carrot furrowed her brow.

"Getting married?", she pointed out. Airi coughed and Trafalgar cleared his throat. Nami and Carrot looked at the two suspiciously.

Chapter end.