I twirl my pencil between my fingers as I stare up at the board as the teacher writes yet another mathematical formula. There's only a few more minutes until we can have lunch, so I have pretty much zoned out at this point. Not that I pay a lot of attention in class to begin with.

My eyes wander to the other side of the classroom where my best friend Nami is sitting writing away. I'm not sure if she's actually writing down notes or if she is doodling maps of places that she is constantly researching and memorizing. I know that one day she is going to travel the world and make the most detailed map anyone could ever dream of. We've already been planning as a group how that is all going to go down.

Speaking of the group, another of us is seated behind me. The class clown Usopp is no doubt designing some new invention of his that will be able to prank anyone that picks on him and ensure that he does not get hurt. He is always acting a lot tougher than he can ever be. I'm surprised that he hasn't gotten seriously hurt yet, but he knows how to lie his way out of anything.

There is also the flirt of our group in the front row intently staring at the teacher as he must be thinking of how to proclaim his love to her. Every female that Sanji comes across he thinks is amazing and beautiful and will do anything to get a date with them. Not that he has had much luck with that. If only he would look within his own friend group and realize that he has a serious chance with our red head.

Not in our class are the leader of our group and his right-hand man. I'm not sure how it worked out that they would get placed in the same class, but at least they have each other. There's Zoro, the one that people think is the leader, but he has never craved that kind of life. He goes with the flow, protecting the rest of us when needed, and intimidating anyone that thinks to get in our way.

Then there is Luffy, the goofball that leads our group into all kinds of situations that I'm surprised haven't gotten us arrested or killed. Regardless, he brought us all together a couple of years ago when we wound up at the same school. The two of us had been friends since we were born, and my older brother, Ace, sees him as the brother that he never had. Though Ace is off with his own group since he is a couple years older than us. All of us still get along wonderfully, so there's nothing to worry about.

There's also a cute kid who goes by the nickname Chopper that follows us around, and no one has the heart to tell him to leave us alone. He is quite the little doctor, which is a good reason to keep him around since the boys tend to get hurt a lot. He always has a bag of first aid supplies, making him even cuter.

There is also the music teacher, Brook, the shop teacher, Franky, and the librarian, Ms. Robin, that we enjoy hanging out with when we have the chance. They sponsor our club, which is the only reason we are allowed to call ourselves a club. They are cooler than most of the other teachers, so it is fun hanging out with them.

"Earth to Akari," a hand that I instantly recognize as Nami's with her tangerine colored nails waves in front of my face. "What the hell are you thinking about?" She plops down in the seat in front of me, using the front of my desk to set out her lunch.

"Nothing important," I chuckle, reaching to grab my lunch box off the hook of my desk. "I just zoned out at the end of that math lesson. I mean come on, how many problems do we have to go through," I groan.

"The problems aren't even that hard," Usopp takes a seat in the seat next to me.

"Of course they aren't, Mr. Smarty-Pants," Nami sticks her tongue out at him.

"Ladies," Sanji gushes as he takes the seat next to Nami. "How are my two favorite girls doing today?"

"Quit the bullshit," Zoro's voice shocks me as I turn to see him and Luffy making their way over to us. "I'm sure you were drooling over the math teacher, so don't even lie to these girls."

"I am not lying, moss head," he glares at the boy.

"Stop," I hold up my hand. "We can still be Sanji's favorite girls even if he likes to flirt around," I chuckle as Sanji pouts at me.

"If you keep bringing me sweets, I don't care who you look at," Nami grins, watching as Sanji pulls all kinds of things out of his lunch bag.

"Everyone free this weekend?" Luffy asks, walking over to me. He easily lifts me up enough to be able to take a seat and place me on his lap. "I know you are, dumpling," he smirks at me.

"What crazy thing do you have planned, Luffy?" I run my hand through his midnight black hair, placing a kiss to his cheek.

"We were thinking of going to the beach for the afternoon on Sunday, so clear your schedules," Zoro takes the free seat on the other side of me.

"I'll start planning food as soon as I get home then," Sanji says.

"I can practice drawing maps while we're out there," Nami nods. "Any reason why you want to head out there? You don't even like the water, Luffy."

Luffy shrugs, "It's going to be nice, and I thought we could have a day to get away." He shoves some meat from his lunchbox into his mouth.

"I'll let Chopper know the plan," I pull my phone out of my backpack, sending a quick text to the boy.

"I wonder if Ms. Robin or Brook would like to join us," Usopp says. "What about Ace, Akari? Do you think him and some of his friends would like to join us?"

"Oh, I am sure that I can get him to join us," I giggle. "I am his precious little sister, and I can't remember the last time that he told me no," I place my phone back into my backpack. "We can't let too many people in on the plan, though. Next thing you know, Hancock," I snarl, "will show up."

"It's cute that you hate her," Luffy presses a kiss to my cheek. "She doesn't run around my mind like you, so you have nothing to worry about."

"She still bothers me," I grumble, shoving some rice into my mouth.

"I'll invite Kaya now before I forget," Usopp takes a bite of his sandwich, pulling his phone out of his pocket and texting away.

"I wonder if Perona would like to join us," Zoro mumbles.

"This idea started as our group getting away, and now I feel like everyone we know is going to be joining us," Nami chuckles. "Not that it matters. We'll have a great time with whoever is there."

"I want to make a sandcastle, and dig a hole because I can, and read a book in the sun because that is super fun," I smile wide. "Oh, now I am getting all excited for Sunday."

"You'll spend a lot of time with me, right?" Luffy wraps an arm around my stomach, giving me a small squeeze.

"I always do," I coo.

"I'm going to have to go out and buy some new swimsuits," Nami nibbles on her bottom lip. "Akari, we have to go shopping on Saturday, and there is nothing you can say to get out of it," she points at me with her chopsticks.

"I promise that I will go shopping with you," I nod. "I think I need some new suits as well, so I kind of have to go with you."

"Splendid," she grins. "I'll see if any of the other girls want to join us later."

"I bet Franky and I could make some awesome floats and whatnot if we can find the time," Usopp says.

"I can't wait until he has time to make that van of his into whatever he is dreaming for it," I rest my head on Luffy's shoulder. "I want to explore all kinds of places with all of you. I want to see the world."

"But first you all have to get an education," Ace's voice snaps all our heads to look over to where the boy is standing near us.

"Ace!" I squeal, sliding off Luffy's lap to go over and hug my brother.

"Hey squirt," Ace chuckles, patting my head. "I just saw you this morning, so I don't know why you are acting like I've been gone for years."

I chuckle, "Am I not allowed to love my brother so dang much?"

"I love you too," he holds me out by the shoulders. "Us Portgas have to stick together," he grins.

"And us Will of D holders have to stick together," Luffy speaks up.

"Forever and always," I glance back at Luffy. "What are you doing here anyways?"

"I like to check in on my little sister from time to time," Ace pulls his hands away. "Besides, it's not like I have to spend the entire lunch time in my own classroom. I'm allowed to walk around before being forced to learn about something I don't care about."

"There has to be something that interests you," Nami says. "Anything at all that you focus on no matter what."

"There is, but it isn't in school," he chuckles. "Okay, I need to stop by the nurse's office to bug Trafalgar."

"One day he's going to kick your ass," I shake my head, crossing my arms. "I'll see you when in a couple hours then."

"It was nice seeing all of you," Ace waves as he turns and exits the room.

"Akari," Luffy whines. "Come back," he reaches out for me.

"Can't be away from your girlfriend for a few minutes?" Zoro teases.

I walk over, settling back into Luffy's lap. "Well, we only get forty minutes during the school day, so I can understand not wanting me to be away for too long."

Luffy presses a quick kiss to my lips, "That's right. Not my fault that you won't work up the courage to ask out Perona."

"Quiet," Zoro snaps, looking over to see if the girl heard what Luffy said. "Why would I even do that when she clearly doesn't like me at all? And I definitely don't like her."

"Yeah right," Sanji scoffs. "You can keep telling your self that you don't have a crush, but every single one of us can see right through that lie."

"There's nothing wrong with liking someone Zoro," Usopp says.

"I think the two of you would be cute together," Nami grins. "Maybe I'll just have to say something to her that will knock some sense into the both of you."

"You wouldn't," Zoro looks at her with a look of shock and fear combined.

"Only time will tell," she chuckles as Zoro slumps in his seat.

"What about you, Nami?" I ask. "Isn't there anyone you like?"

"Oh," she waves me off. "Boys are only idiots at this stage in life, so I don't feel the need to worry about that kind of thing. But I would be lying if I said that I didn't like anyone right now. I'm still a teenage girl after all, and even stupid boys can be cute."

"Who is it?" Sanji blurts out, clearing his throat seconds later. "Not that it is any of my business, but I can't just let you go off with any boy. As you said, boys are stupid at this age, and you deserve someone that truly cares about you."

"Idiot," I mumble, taking a bite of the chocolate chip cookie that Ace bought a dozen of when we went shopping this past week. With our mother stuck in the hospital for the past few years, we basically live alone in an apartment, so Ace does all the grocery shopping when it is needed. Most of the time he does well, but he still gets a lot more junk food than we should have in the house.

"Don't worry about me, Sanji," Nami shakes her head. "I've got it all under control. Now, I want to know more about this day at the beach. We need to plan unless we want a repeat of when we tried to go camping."

*~~~~~~~~*

   I sigh, looking out at the soccer field as I focus in on Luffy running towards the goal with the ball. He's always been active, and I have always been right by his side to watch him in whatever he decides to do. I do enjoy spending time outside when the weather is nice like today, and I have finally decided to bring my embroidery to do while he practices.

Luffy isn't the only one of my friends that plays a sport. Ace also plays soccer, along with another boy that Luffy looks up to as a brother, Sabo. All three of them are running around the field getting ready for another game. Zoro does kendo, Nami plays volleyball with quite a few other girls, Chopper is the water boy for the soccer team, and Sanji does martial arts using only leg moves. Everyone else is off watching teams to support friends. Which is why I am sitting on a blanket in the grass while the boys have been running around for the past two hours.

My embroidery picture of a lighthouse on a cliff slowly coming together. It makes me happy to see the progress as I do each stitch, and I like using my hands to create something. All my equipment is super cute as well, which makes it even better to have it all spread out in front of me as I work.

"Hey Akari," Sabo steps up, chugging water from a bottle. "How's it coming along?"

"Slowly, but only because I still suck at getting the floss through the eye of the needle," I chuckle, squinting as I look up at the boy. "How are you doing, Sabo?"

"I'm good," he smiles. "I heard that we're going to the beach this weekend, so that will be fun. That's Luffy for you, planning things to make you happy."

"Well, I don't know about that, but the idea does make me feel good."

"He does a lot to make you happy. You're his treasure, you know that, right?"

"I know," I nod. "He's told me before. I couldn't imagine being with anyone but him. To just know that we are right for each other is such a wonderful feeling."

"I know what you mean," he grins. "You've got a lot of boys watching over you."

"And I wouldn't have it any other way. I'll take all the protection I can get when it seems like we get into trouble more often than not. Even if we are trying to help when trouble comes our way."

"That's what happens when your dad was the notorious Gol D. Roger."

I shrug, "I can't help who my father is. Besides, Ace doesn't claim him, and I don't either. I am a Portgas through and through."

"How is your mom doing?"

I sigh, "Not better, but not worse either, so I guess I'm happy. We are going to go see her in a couple days if they'll let us. If she will let us in to see her."

"She loves both of you very much, and I think she will love to see you."

"Thank you, Sabo. That means a lot to hear."

"Hey Sabo! Stop talking to my sister and get your ass back here!" Ace shouts out.

I giggle, "That is your cue, Sabo. Thanks for coming over and talking to me."

"I always enjoy it," he winks, turning and rushing back to the field.

I get back to my embroidery, working to finish the section that I am on before the practice ends. That way I can be packing up at the same time the boys are heading to change back into their school uniforms to head back home. Not that I am in any rush to get home. It just means that I'll have to make dinner for whoever will be over at the apartment.

The next hour or so goes by in a flash as I finish the section and then take my time packing everything back into my cherry blossom sewing box. Then I watch the boys finish up their practice before heading back to shower and change. I'm standing outside the building when Ace, Luffy, and Sabo exit.

"Hello boys," I smile, holding my sewing box in front of me as my backpack is secure against my back. "Ready to head home?"

"Did you finish your cross-stitch thing yet?" Luffy links an arm with mine.

"I got a couple sections done, but I would say I am just passed halfway."

"My cute little sister doing something that old women do," Ace teases.

"Shut up," I roll my eyes. "Come on, no more dallying here. I would like to get home to rest for a few hours."

"Let me carry you if you are tired," Luffy pokes my side.

"Oh, I'm not that tired, but thank you for the offer," I push onto my toes to press a kiss to Luffy's jaw.

"Akari is tough, and I think we all know that," Sabo says.

"She is my sister, so that would make sense," Ace boasts.

The four of us begin walking towards the front of the school to make our way out to the road to get on our way home. The boys dive into their own conversation as I am left to enjoy the scenery on our walk home. All the pretty flowers and cute bugs that I see on the walk home. I can't help pointing out the cutest bugs I see to Luffy, who smiles widely before giving me a kiss and sliding back into the conversation with the two boys he sees as brothers. I'm lucky to be surrounding by these boys every single day of my life. To be surrounded by all my friends each and every day. Even through the bad, I know that my life is good thanks to those who love and care for me.

"Well see you tomorrow Sabo," Ace waves as the boy breaks off from our group to head down the street to his house.

"Enjoy the rest of you night," Sabo smiles, waving back.

Now a group of three, Luffy, Ace, and I make our way the other direction to get to our apartment building. Though Luffy doesn't actually live with us, it seems like it with all the time he spends at our house. His father is almost never home with all the time he spends leading a political resistance group, but that has never really bothered Luffy. The boy was raised more by a man by the name of Shanks. A man that seems to spend a lot of time at the bar hitting on a certain Makino that basically raised me when my mother got sick the first time. He used to be a detective, but I don't know what he does anymore. Other than let Luffy crash at his place whenever he wants. Without Shanks, Luffy would have turned into a completely different person, I know that for sure.

"Where you are staying tonight, Luffy?" I ask as Ace pulls our apartment keys out of his pocket to unlock the door.

"Haven't decided yet," Luffy shrugs. "I'll figure it out once I need to sleep. I'm more concerned about what is for dinner."

I giggle, "Of course you are. I wouldn't expect anything different from you. Okay, we can figure something out once I take a shower and relax for a little bit. Is that alright?"

"Anything to make you happy, dumpling."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hello and welcome to the first filler! I just want to say that each time there is need for some filler, it will last for about four chapters long, and they will probably be a bit shorter than normal chapters. Other than that, it will use the same characters in some kind of AU. Right now I only have this high school AU figured out, but if there is anything you would like to see, let me know! Also, some stuff that happens in filler is not always canon to what is happening in the main story. Of course, some of it is canon, so it will all reveal itself as the main story progresses. Okay, that is all I have to explain, so I hope you enjoyed reading! And I would love to know what you thought! :D