Where My Ship Sails

She stood albeit cockily—hands on her hips, a pout on her lips, one perfect eyebrow raised as she quietly observed the scene before her.

Outside, the sound of the waves splashing against the Thousand Sunny’s hull filled the night. The rhythmic sound served as a lulling melody against the silence of the evening.

Nami’s bare foot unconsciously tapped against the metal floor in time with it….

One…

... the sea water hitting the side of the ship.

Two…

... the sea pulling the waves back to its embrace only to let it go again… pushing it forward to splash against the ship’s wooden body.

And the cycle continues…

She exasperatedly blew at her bangs and let out a sigh. The figures lying down the crow’s nest’s floor hadn’t moved an inch at all—lying splayed on the makeshift bedding of crumpled blankets, still oblivious to the world.

They stayed deep in their sleep—breaths even; the rise and fall of their chests in sync... in time with the waves and the tap of her feet.

Nami crouched down and peered at them.

Well... don’t they look… rather cute together?

She couldn’t decide what makes the scene before her downright adorable.

Was it because it was Chopper? Who—hands down—is all cute and all to begin with? No arguments with that fact of course.

Or was it because it was Zoro—fearsome former pirate hunter that he is—had let the little reindeer snuggle on the crook of his arm as they slept.

Nami pursed her lips. Maybe it’s both. All that cuteness balancing that grouchiness...

...it’s a sight that’s kinda hard to resist.

The navigator continued to watch them some more, in awe at how homely they looked sleeping side by side.

Like father and son. Nami thought wryly and she tried to dismiss the warm, fuzzy feeling that notion was awakening deep inside her.

Her eyes shifted towards the green-haired man. She studied him for a moment, enjoying how soft Zoro looked...

How unguarded...

How his brows weren’t furrowed or how that certain frown he often wears while sleeping is not present. How his expression wasn’t tensed like he was just waiting for someone to jump him while he’s resting.

She fought the urge to reach out and touch him. Instead her eyes riveted towards Chopper.

And she marvelled at how content he seemed in Zoro’s arm... like sleeping beside the swordsman like this was the most natural thing in the world.

Of course Nami knew that Zoro had a soft spot for their doctor. They all have.

And she had to admit... she felt rather... envious at how easy their relationship with each other was right from the start.

It was hard to pull out any sort of affection with the ever-stoic swords master after all. Zoro was too hard when it comes to some people... especially those who don’t deserve his sympathy or emotion.

But there are those who seemed to be... exempted from that. Those who managed to snagged that rather miniscule soft spot Nami believes was almost non-existent.

She had seen how different he is when it comes to Chopper, Usopp and of course Luffy.

Guess he does have his favorites.

She glanced at them, a bit wistful.

Compared to that, she and Zoro have a rather tumultuous dynamics. Peace was not something one would expect from their relationship—mostly because they really clash all the time.

There weren’t a soft spot for each other. Not a bit slightest.

If it weren’t for those two years apart that definitely matured them, they’d never even find a neutral ground.

Nami fought the urge to chuckle at her ruminations.

The Thousand Sunny dipped slightly to the right as a rather strong wave hit its side. Nami paused for a moment, her navigational and weather instincts on alert in case there is a sudden change in the wind and the waves.

But there was nothing. Just a usual random shift in the waves.   

She let out a soft exhale.

The other two occupants of nest were unbothered by it, still deep in their respective slumbers.

Oh well, best not to disturb them.

Nami stood up and brushed some imaginary dirt from her shorts. She should go back to her own bed because from what it looks like...

... there is no place for her here.

With a small, disappointed smile (because she did went up to the crow’s nest with a purpose in mind), she gave them one last look before heading back down.

Then Zoro’s free hand suddenly brushed against her feet and she almost yelped in surprise, her heart jumping in her throat.

Nami’s hands flew to her chest as she tried to catch her breath and calm herself. She immediately threw Zoro a murderous glare just as he opened his eye.

They stared at each other for a moment. Him, studying her with a brooding eye. And Nami, pondering on whether or not he deserves a kick in the face for startling her like that.

The soft purring sound coming from the reindeer doctor broke their stare off. They both turned their attention to Chopper who seemed to be mumbling something. 

“Do not touch cotton candy Usopp,” his sleepy voice uttered out. “Or I’ll...”

His voice trailed off, followed by a soft giggle before he went silent again, still asleep.

That made Nami chuckle, the sudden surge of irritation that wanted to snap out of her earlier was gone in an instant. Zoro was looking at the reindeer amusedly before his gaze snapped back to Nami.

She just shook her head and made a sginal to Zoro that she’s gonna head down and leave the two of them alone. 

He didn’t say a word. Instead, he slowly extended his arm on the floor while still looking at her.

Nami’s brows drew together at that. The green-haired man was staring at her expectantly.

Was he actually...

Nami stole a glance at Chopper and Zoro merely raised an eyebrow at her, his lips tightening into a frown.  

It was a silent invitation, a signal of some sorts... Zoro was making a space for her on his other side asking her to claim it.

He doesn’t seem to be bothered that Chopper was on his other side deep in his slumber. Nor does he look bothered by the fact that if she accepts his invitation, they would have a lot of explaining to do if Chopper sees them.

Then Nami shrugged her shoulders. Oh well, if Zoro wasn’t bothered by that... then why should she be?

She couldn’t very well turn down his invitation right? After all, it was rare for him to offer...

Nami stepped closer, crouching down as Zoro moved his arm, so he can help her smoothen out the blanket underneath him so she can lie down on it.

Then she settled comfortably on the crook of his arm, head resting against his shoulder as his arm automatically wrapped around her waist, drawing her closer to him.

He dipped his head down and kissed her on the forehead.

She unconsciously let out a satisfied hum at that, her fingers curling against his the fabric of his shirt.

“Took you long,” he mumbled against her skin, lips brushing against her forehead.  “Chopper beat you.”

“Hmm… it’s okay,” she whispered back. “He’s your favourite after all.”

She felt his lips twitched at that and she tilted her face towards him.

“After Luffy,” Nami added teasingly. “And Usopp.”

She looked up to him with eyes twinkling with amusement, the sparkle in her brown orbs vivid even in the dim light of the crow’s nest.

Now both of Zoro’s eyebrows are raised as he regarded her with a curious gaze. She instead patted his chest reassuringly.

“I’m good ranked below them,” she said with a quiet giggle.

His arm around her tightened as he pressed her closer to him, hand squeezing the curve of her waist—a gesture that says he is not amused at all.

“That’s not how it is,” he said lowly.

“Really now?”

He nudged her nose with his, making her tilt her head some more.

And pressed his lips against hers.

She eagerly returned it. Softly, quietly, careful enough not to wake their fluffy friend who was still sleeping serenely on Zoro’s other side.

She felt the distinct and familiar warmth settling inside her. One that only he could evoke.

Calming and steadying.

Reassuring.

The same kind of warmth that made Chopper sleep oh-so-peacefully near his presence.  

When Zoro pulled away, he muttered begrudgingly. “Go to sleep.”

Nami let out a soft snicker. “Yeah...”

“For the record. You rank higher than you think.”

“Oh?” She gasped quietly, exaggeratedly. “I am absolutely flattered.”

He squeezed her against him again. “Yeah. Now go to sleep witch.”

Nami laughed almost inaudibly as she nuzzled closer into his neck.

“Hmmm... well that’s good to know then.”

------------------------

Chopper’s blue nose twitched slightly and he woke up to the familiar smell of tangerines.

His nose twitched again and he inhaled the sweet, citrusy scent that he knows belongs to a certain person in their crew.

He blinked sleepily. Is Nami here? He thought groggily. Because he knows this is HER scent.

The gears in his head started turning. Wasn’t he sleeping beside Zoro last night? So why was Nami’s signature scent all over the room?

Maybe she went up to check on the weather this morning like she often does before breakfast?

That’s probably why her scent still lingers in the air.

But if she did... it was surprising that she didn’t wake Zoro up. Just like she usually do. Zoro had grumbled more than once that Nami has a weird penchant for waking him up in the morning right after she does. Like she made it her life’s mission to disturb his slumber every time.

Chopper didn’t dwell on it too much. The two have some weird quirks he had long given up trying to understand. Usopp had said that’s just how it works for them. And it’s best not to get involved in it.

He sat up blearily, rubbing the remnants of sleep in his eyes.

He looked over to Zoro to check on him and his eyes widened.

Nami was there alright. Asleep on Zoro’s other side...

...snuggled comfortably beside the swordsman—who had one arm wrapped around her like he didn’t want to let her go even in his sleep.

The navigator’s head was tucked under his chin, her hand resting just above the Zoro’s chest. Their breathings synced in quiet rhythm.

Chopper blinked and blinked again.

What…

What is happening?

He stared open mouthed at his two friends, tangled in an embrace that could only mean...

Oh.

OH.

He immediately clamped both of his hooves against his mouth to stop himself from giggling more loudly. He doesn’t want to wake them up. Not when Zoro and Nami looked so content and comfortable cuddled against each other in what Chopper would call a very, very rare sight indeed.

He stiffened when Nami suddenly stirred. Chopper held his breath as he watched the map maker sidled closer to Zoro, her arm sliding to wrap itself around his waist almost possessively, as if she was burying herself into him.

She shifted some more, trying to get comfortable in her unconscious state and only settled down when Zoro turned to his side, draping the arm Chopper was using as pillow earlier around the navigator, and caging her to him in a tight embrace as they continued to sleep.

Chopper let out a soft giggle even as he tried to cover his eyes. His ears twitched with excitement and apparent delight.

He smiled, as bright as the sun that was already shining way up above, happiness brimming in his eyes.

“Zoro and Nami...” Chopper whispered as he watched his two friends still fast asleep, curled around one another.  

Downstairs at the galley, Sanji’s voice carried over the expanse of the Thousand Sunny as he started shouting that breakfast is ready.

Chopper quietly stood up. As silently as he could, he exited the crow’s nest leaving his two nakamas behind to get some breakfast before Luffy hogs all the fluffy pancakes.

All the way down the crow’s nest, the cute reindeer doctor was trying to figure out how to best keep this secret for now...

He had been sulking and glaring, scowling as if everyone had officially offended him…

…all day long.

Nami had shrugged it off at first—chalked it off as something caused by the usual bickering with their blond chef. Maybe Sanji-kun walked away the victor this time and that was why the green-haired man was in such a foul mood.

But as the day waned and softly crawled towards the evening, she somehow realized that wasn’t the case.

His glares had turned sharper, his silence more unnerving and his scowls deeper.

And they were all directed to her.

Nami—being clueless as she is—was starting to get annoyed to be at the receiving end of all that to say the least.

She pursed her lips as she watched Zoro stood up and quietly left the dining table. He walked out of the galley, his stare piercing enough to create a hole in the ship’s wall.

Even the most oblivious ones in their crew had picked up on his mood.

“Ne,” Luffy whispered to his right where Usopp was enthusiastically taking a bite of his chicken. He was also looking at the door which had closed right behind the swordsman. “Is Zoro mad?”

The sniper turned to his captain, swiftly batting the rubber man’s hand when it tried to grab the remaining piece of meat still on his plate.

Nami shifted her attention to Usopp as well, waiting for his answer.

He nodded. “Uh-huh. Looks like it.”

“Why?”

“That I do not know,” Usopp answered with a shrug of his shoulders. Zoro rarely gets mad to the point of spending the whole day in silence. He actually noticed it when he came back to the Sunny earlier that afternoon. Zoro seemed more irritated than usual, looking scary enough that Usopp decided not to approach him and ask why.

He also made it to a point to stay clear of the katana wielder’s path because he looked like he was gonna murder someone in a heartbeat.

“Think he got in a fight with Sanji?” Luffy asked before shoving a piece of meat (which he successfully nicked from Usopp’s plate) inside his mouth, chomping loud and proud.

Before the other lad could react to both the question and the stolen meat, a plate suddenly slammed down in front of them. Both he and Luffy flinched and looked up to see their cook glaring daggers at them while holding out a plateful of mini cakes, cookies and doughnuts for the dessert.

“Whatever shit is happening to moss head, I have nothing to do with it!” The blond snarled hitting both Usopp and Luffy’s head. Then as if a switch was flicked on, his mood did a total three hundred sixty degree and he twirled towards Nami to serve her the special tea he got from the island earlier.

“Nami-swaan! Here’s your after dinner tea!” He set a delicate and intricately designed teacup in front of the navigator before pouring a uniquely blue colored tea in it. “Butterfly pea flower tea as the locals here calls it, perfect for unwinding after a long day.”

“Ah! Thank you Sanji-kun!” Nami smiled as she looked at the tea in amazement. Trust their resident chef to find something utterly pretty to serve them. “What a beautiful color!”

“Of course for my Nami-swan I—”

“But Sanji…” Luffy’s whiny tone suddenly cut off the supposedly romantic declaration of the chef. “Zoro only gets irritated like that when—”

A perfectly timed kick landed on him at that.

“I have nothing to do with it shitty captain!” Sanji growled, peeved at the rubber boy’s interruption and accusation. “He’s been like that since lunch!”

Nami blinked. Lunch huh? She pondered a bit as she quietly took a sip of her tea just as Luffy and Sanji started arguing at each other.

So what happened during lunch?

She wasn’t on the ship around that time, she recalled. She, Robin and Chopper were in town exploring.

When she came back to the Sunny, Zoro was there on the lawn deck—sitting quietly, arms folded over that well-built chest of his, brooding. He looked like he was about to slice someone into bits and pieces and drag the remains down to hell himself.

He also did throw an icy glare her way when she climbed up the deck, like she had done something to offend him in some way, before he stood up and stormed off towards the crow’s nest without another word, leaving her dumbfounded.

So what could’ve happened? She hadn’t gotten the chance to talk to him since she came back and he holed himself up the nest. Plus, she can’t remember if they had any conversation-turned-to-an-argument before they docked on this island. She was sure he was pretty fine before they all went their own ways.  

So she definitely didn’t have anything to do with his foul mood.

But still the look he had given her earlier… like she did something.

Nami fought the urge to roll her eyes. Was he actually blaming her for something she had no idea about?!

She slightly bit down the cup that was still on her lips to ease some of her irritation.

“Psst Nami,” Usopp called to her. Nami directed her gaze at him, quirking an eyebrow his way. “You know what’s up?”

Nami just shrugged her shoulders. “I have no idea.”

“Come on,” Usopp huffed. “He usually gets irritated like that when he gets in a fight with Sanji or… with you.” He added as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

At that she slammed the teacup down on the table and glowered at the sniper. Usopp squeaked and backed away instantly almost toppling back his chair, making Luffy burst into laughter.

Sanji’s hand immediately flew to his heart at the thought of his delicate china getting smashed by his precious Nami-swan’s equally delicate hands. Not to mention she might get injured from the shards…

“I have no idea what’s up with that idiot. And it certainly isn’t my fault!” Nami hissed at the now cowering Usopp.

From the other end of the table, calmly sipping and enjoying her coffee, Robin suddenly interjected.

“Zoro’s angry,” she began in her usual calm tone.  

They all shifted their eyes towards the dark-haired archaeologist.  

“That’s what I think,” she smiled at them, the corners of her eyes crinkling.

“Huh, that’s helpful.” Usopp groaned as he sat up straight. “You have an idea why?” He prodded.

“No.”

The sniper exhaled disappointedly.

“Just let the idiot moss be,” Sanji muttered as he strode towards the kitchen counter, rolling his sleeves so he can start washing the plates and pans. “He’s probably just not in the mood.”

Usopp snorted. “Didn’t know you’d be this understanding.”

“Do not make me throw this pan at you Usopp!”

“Sumimasen!”

The others at the table tried to hide their snickers and giggles.

“But still,” Luffy pouted. “It’s not like him to be angry for so long.”

“You’re right Luffy,” Robin agreed. “Maybe he needs to get it out of his system...” She lifted her head and looked straight in Nami’s eyes. “Whatever it is that’s bothering him.”

Nami frowned. Why is Robin looking at her like she had something to do with it?

“Getting it out of his system means he has to fight someone,” Usopp huffed. “I don’t want us getting into trouble in this island.” He instantly smacked Luffy’s face when he saw the stars in his eyes, looking all excited at the thought of fighting.

“That and some other way...” Robin commented enigmatically and she gave Nami a small smile.

------------------------

Nami paused halfway up her climb to the crow’s nest. She took a deep breath, enjoying the cool night air against her skin and the view of the dark sea from the high vantage point of the Sunny.

The evening was serene, the sea tranquil as can be. The full moon was glowing so brightly and the sky was filled with stars. There were no signs of any impending change in the weather, no gathering of clouds in the distant that usually tells her that there is a storm approaching from the horizon.

Everything was calm… peaceful.

Except inside the crow’s nest, where Nami knew a different storm was definitely brewing.

“Stormy tempered swordsman,” she muttered under her breath as she continued to climb up. She just realized how Zoro was so much like the weather of the New World—hard to predict at times, ever-changing…

But still in a way… constant.

That in itself should be too much. But not for her. Never for her.

She never wavered because she knows best how to handle the storms and whatever weather patterns thrown her way.

And Zoro’s temper… is kinda like a hurricane hitting the ship all in one go. It’s bound to dissipate once unleashed….

She poked her head inside the nest.

Her eyes settled on the figure lying on the metal floor, hands tucked under his head. His good eye was closed, his breathing even, still stewing in silence and darkness.

She knows he wasn’t asleep. His whole body was tensed—taut like he was going to explode any time soon.

Nami silently climbed inside and approached him.

“Zoro.”

A beat passed… a few seconds of silence that sparked her irritation because now she definitely knows he was ignoring her on purpose.

“What?” He grunted in a tone so low that it almost came out like a growl. He didn’t move. Nor did he look at her. He stayed where he was, like he was.

Nami released the breath she didn’t realize she was holding.  

“You okay?”

Another few seconds of silence.

She knelt beside him and lightly smacked his shoulder.

“Don’t just clam up on me!”

“Tch!”

Another smack on his shoulder. “And don’t ‘tch’ me as well!”

For a moment he didn’t answer again.

“Nami,” he said suddenly. “Leave me alone.”

The navigator stared at him, surprised. Zoro rarely uses such a serious tone at her. Most of the time he was either yelling back or complaining or griping.

But seldom that one. She only hears it when a situation becomes extremely serious; when there is too much danger at hand and he was ordering her to go run somewhere safe.

And it sank into Nami that something is really wrong with the swordsman… something that needs to be dealt with.

“No.” She said in an equally stern and stubborn tone. “You’re going to tell me what’s up with you.”

Hell she can be just as obstinate as him.

Silence again.

A vein ticked at her temple as he continued to ignore her. Nami gritted her teeth; annoyance gradually overtaking her as the green-haired man persistently refused to open his mouth and tell her whatever it was that was making him act like this.

She had never been good with being patient with him. Zoro had a way of infuriating her without much effort.

But by Kami, she is damn trying! And yet he is not making it easy.

“This noon. At that bar in town...”

Nami blinked when he suddenly spoke. It caught her off guard—the way he said it and what it implied.

She tried to remember what happened earlier when they docked on this island. Zoro had volunteered to stay and watch the ship since he wanted to do some training.

And Nami had agreed with that plan because she wanted to do some shopping and he wasn’t really the best companion for such excursion.

They decided to let most of the crew explore the place first and head out later for some drinks.

So she went with Robin and Chopper to see what the island had to offer before they all went their own merry ways to attend to their own separate errands.

Nami spent the rest of the morning looking at shops, trying on dresses and scouring the bookstores for new books, inks and parchments. She lingered inside a lingerie shop—pondering about getting some new baby doll dresses or that particularly sexy orange lace ensemble that would definitely look divine on her.

Once she was happy with her purchases, she headed to a random bar near the sea for a quick lunch and some refreshing brunch cocktail before going back to the Sunny.

And… oh.

There was that guy in the bar earlier.

Tall, golden-haired and suave… just like a protagonist in one of the adventure-romance books stacked in her bedside table. He had a charming smile that must’ve made a lot of women swoon and words more flowery than Sanji-kun’s love declarations.

“Ah,” Nami murmured as realization sank into her. “That.”

This time Zoro opened his eye and glared at her again. “Yeah THAT.” He growled, a crease appearing on his forehead, a scowl pulling down his lips.

She stared at him in disbelief. And she had to bite her lip to prevent a grin from appearing on her face lest it sets Zoro off some more.  

But she cannot stop it. Cannot stop the amusement from appearing on her face when she realized what all this was about.

Zoro’s scowl deepened at her reaction.

Nami let out a snicker. And at that, Zoro sat up abruptly to level with her—hackles rising, adrenaline rushing, temper flaying at the thought that she was laughing at him.

Then Nami moved… swiftly. Dexterously. Like a cat pouncing on her prey.

Zoro was lying on his back again with Nami hovering over him with wide grin on her face, looking all mischievous. She was straddling him, hands were wrapped around his wrists pinning them against the metal floor like she was the stronger one between the two of them.

Her hair fell like a curtain around them, the curling tips brushing against his cheek softly.

“Zoro,” she whispered as she brought her face closer to his.

“You’re jealous.”

That simple statement almost set the green-haired man off.

Because she was right. He was. He IS.

And he was having a hard time processing the emotion because it was so foreign to him.

And yet to save face he growled lowly,

“I’m not.”

“Sure.”

Nami still had that playful grin on her face, even as they stared at each other.

“What could you be jealous of?” Her voice was soft as she asked him, her eyes studying his face intently, taking in his scowl, his glare.

“Nami, get off me.”

She continued to smile teasingly at him. And instead of pushing off like he was telling her to do, she got closer, their noses touching as she continued to hover above him.

“Answer me first.” Nami murmured her demand as she pressed down on him.

Zoro glowered at her from below. He knows he can easily flip her over; reverse their position if he wanted to.

But he didn’t want to. Surprisingly.

He wanted her there. On top of him. Close. Pressing him down like she can actually overpower him.

“Why are you jealous Zoro?” She whispered again, this time nudging his check slightly with her nose. “There’s nothing to be jealous of, right?”

He just stared at her, bracing himself from whatever the witch was planning to do like he hadn’t suffered enough in his own emotion all day long.

The image of her laughing, looking all delighted. Absorb and so into the person she’s talking to. The way the man was looking at her like she was everything that mattered in the world. Like he would do everything for the sake of her.

It gnawed at him. Really bad.

“Zoro,” she hummed. Unaware of the storm that brewed inside him the moment he saw them. Unaware of what she was doing to him, the power she had over him, letting her pin him down like this when—

“Nothing to be jealous about… I am yours.”

With that she bent down and kissed him.

Her hold on him didn’t loosen. He can feel her nails digging into his skin as her mouth shifted and coaxed for him to let go, to open up to her.

She pulled back to stare at him, to gauge his expression and what he is feeling.

“I am yours,” she repeated. “You seemed to be forgetting that.”

“You’re the one who seemed to be forgetting that.” He almost spat out. And a smile appeared on her lips again.

Nami is really a witch.

“But I haven’t,” she tilted her head a little, looking all-so-innocent. “You do know I’m being nice because I needed something from him... particularly his wallet.” She bumped her nose against his. “And not because I want to… do unspeakable things to him.”

A low growl rumbled against Zoro’s throat.

The thought of another touching her…

His pulled his hands free of her grip. Yet he didn’t push her away. Instead, he grabbed her waist, caging her against him.

“Then show me that you’re mine.”

“Oh?”

He gazed at her challengingly.

Nami bit her lip as she looked all over his face. This man… a powerful pirate, a force to be reckoned with, someone who made people tremble just by the sound of his name…

Is looking absolutely cute—jealous and all.

“A jealous you is such a turn on.” Nami breathed before she dived down to capture his lips.

And she understood the depth of his distress today when he kissed her back.

Zoro—always confident and so sure of himself Zoro—was somehow rattled to his very core.

And as much as it was amusing to see a different side of him, still it did not settle well for her. He shouldn’t be thinking that she’d choose another in a blink of an eye. HE was the one she wanted.

She pulled away from their kiss and Zoro gave her a curious look. A silent question on why she stopped suddenly.

Nami pressed her forehead against his. “Sorry,” she half-whispered. She pulled away again slightly so she can look at him, brushing her thumb across his cheek.

“I thought you didn’t mind. Never took you to be the jealous type.”

“Tsk,” Zoro sounded out. “I’m not.”

“Right.” Nami chortled at his denial. He can say that all he wants but she can clearly see that he is. “I should’ve known.”

His brows furrowed. “Known what?”

“That you like me too much. Too, too much.”

Nami smirked as she waited for another denial on his part. For all that maturity he displays sometimes, this was still something the green-haired swordsman was still grappling with...

… saying what he feels for her, out loud. Using actual words to tell her about it instead of actions and conflicts and arguments.

Zoro exhaled slowly underneath her. His hand reached out to tuck a strand of her long hair behind her ear.

“Yeah,” he said. “Yeah I do.”

Oh.

Her face lit up with a wide smile. “This must be my lucky night. You got jealous and I finally get to hear how much you really like me.”

“Don’t push your luck,” Zoro muttered even as his fingers played with ends of her hair.

“I’m not,” she shifted in her position so she can rest her head against his chest, feel and hear his calming heartbeat.

“Just didn’t rub me the right way.” Zoro suddenly said.

“Hm?” She lifted her head slightly to look at him, gaze questioning.

“I just didn’t like the way you were smiling at him.”

Nami stared at him for a few seconds as she weighted those words and the emotion behind that admission.

“Oh, I think I was talking about you.” She casually explained.

Zoro raised an eyebrow at that. “With him?”

Nami nodded. “Yeah. He did ask if I have a boyfriend or something…” she explained. “And I was thinking, yeah I do have one. Grumpy and always scowling he may seem.”

She threw him that very same smile. “Green-haired, good with swords”

“Best with swords” Zoro corrected, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly.

Nami threw back her head and laugh. “Fine! The best! The best swordsman there is.” She reached out to cup his face in both hands. “And all mine.” She declared before kissing him softly.

“You were smiling like that because you were talking about me?”

“Yeah I guess that’s it.”

“Huh.”

“Ah Zoro. You looked flattered,” Nami grinned as she poked his cheek. “And happy!”

“Pfftt.”

“Oh you so are.” She pointed out as she sniggered at his expense.

“Shut up!” He grumbled as he wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her tightly to his chest. She laughed and squirmed as she tried to get him to loosen his hold.

“By the way Zoro,” Nami tapped his arm to get his attention. “What are you doing there anyway? Didn’t we agree to head out later?”

Zoro stilled at that question and even in the darkness of the crow’s nest, Nami can still see how red his ears have turned.

They started at each other for a moment.

“Ah,” Nami grinned, “You missed me didn’t you? And you were trying to look for me...”

Zoro scoffed. “What are you say—”

It wasn’t the first time they kissed.

They have done it countless of times before. Yet it was always quick, always fleeting, always stolen.

Always like they were running out of time. Always like they were on borrowed time.

It was a peck here or a smack there... a hurried press of lips against lips or against cheeks or any part of bare skin close enough to graze, to caress, to mark invisibly—taking the brief chance to left an imprint on each other that will linger.

Until the next instance present itself to them, where they could savour another hasty moment of a clandestine exchange of affection.

Because privacy is almost non-existent while sailing on the Thousand Sunny.

And being a Straw Hat pirate means you’ll rarely get some time alone and away from your nakama.

But sometimes, there are certain unexpected instances when a seemingly serene breeze drifts over the ship and a tranquil mood overtakes the whole crew.

And not a single soul would be up and about the Sunny, except the ones who are watching the ship.

In that certain occasion, high up in the crow’s nest and under the covers of the dark night until the wee hours of the morning...

They’d take what they can get.

Nami pressed herself closer to the man before her.

Her thumb slowly caressed his cheek, brushing lightly over the dimple that makes it appearance whenever he smirks or smile.

His skin feels warm under her fingertips. She felt his grip tightened around her waist when she let them wander down the column of his neck, toying with the ends of his green hair.

His fingers dug lightly against her side at that. Nami slanted her mouth just a little bit against his. Just a tiny movement so she could taste him more.

What started as a good night kiss before the change of shifts, had entirely turned to an intimate and intense embrace, neither want to end anytime soon.

Maybe it was the long held restraint that had them clutching each other more eagerly than ever. Maybe it was the impatience they both had been trying to hold back from the moment they decided that yes indeed, they want each other. And not just as friends.

Whatever the reason is... Nami isn’t going to complain. Not with the way Zoro was making her back bend at the force of his kiss and the way his lips—now ravishing hers—were making her toes curl.

Her hand grasp at his shirt before deciding it was better to latch it around his neck so she could pull him closer, if that is even possible with the way they were hard-pressed at each other, bodies almost melded together.

His hand was stroking the bare skin of her waist, the flesh visible as her small top barely made it past her navel. His fingers left fire as he grazed the area lightly, the small sound escaping her throat making him bold enough to go lower, squeezing the firm cheek of her ass before becoming even bolder... slipping his hand under her skirt so he can squeeze again without the restriction of clothes.

His palm was warm against her backside, sending a delicious shiver running up her spine. He squeezed again and she moaned throatily against his lips.

Nami could swear she felt a chuckle vibrated from his throat.

He gripped the bare skin tightly enough to leave his fingerprints etched on it before giving it a hearty slap.

“Oh!” Nami gasped, her mouth momentarily unlatching itself from Zoro’s as her eyes widened at what he had done. Yet her body leaned closer to him, her bountiful breasts pressing against his wide chest, wanting more of that kind of attention.

“What,” he managed to growl out as his other hand tangled itself against her long hair, dragging her lips back to his. “Are you even wearing underneath this?” He asked as he massaged the ample cheek—an atonement for what he had done.

If Nami can she would have smirked triumphantly. Not anyone can manage to pull out that certain timbre in Zoro’s voice. That low, rough sound that send delicious shivers running up and down her spine at the thought that he sounded like he would devour her anytime soon.

But she can’t. Zoro had his mouth on hers again in a kiss that wasn’t almost a kiss.

It was as if he was feasting on her. Like a treat he couldn’t get enough of.

Like he wanted to consume her.

His tongue was... damn... Nami lost all coherent thought when he started teasing hers.

Coaxing, tasting... then devouring.

He slipped his tongue inside her mouth and Nami could only moan her approval, head tilting back in total abandon, an eager moan escaping her throat again. Zoro’s tongue seemed to take over her mouth and Nami wondered how this sinful, thick muscle would fucking feel against her...

She gasped when he suddenly lifted her up, making her wrap her legs around him. She rested her forehead against his as her arms automatically latched themselves around his neck. Zoro was smirking at her now as he looked deeply in her eyes.

Then he walked towards the crow’s nest’s window and unceremoniously sat on the bench, with Nami still wrapped around him.

The navigator inhaled sharply when her clothed center unexpectedly rubbed against the rough fabric of Zoro’s pants...

Oh! That felt really good. 

Nami’s eyes squeezed shut at the sensation, head thrown back as she bit down a moan. Her hands gripped Zoro’s shoulders firmly—he can feel her fingernails digging on his skin even through his shirt.

He grabbed her waist and pulled her down on him again. Harder this time, so Nami can feel it more.

This time the moan that escaped her set everything inside Zoro on fire.

He should have known Nami isn’t the type to back down in this kind of circumstances. She suddenly captured his mouth in hers. She kissed him even as she blindly adjusted her position so she could straddle him more comfortably, her legs bracketing his thighs, her position giving her a chance to dominate him this time as she shoved her tongue inside his mouth.

And she should’ve known Zoro wasn’t the type to back down even in this circumstance. He merely took her action in stride, letting their tongues battle for dominance.

Before pulling her down on him again.

Her crotch rubbed against the rough fabric of his pants again, and this time Nami felt the hardness that was straining against it.

“Zo-ro...” she almost choked, breaking their kiss. “Ooh!”

It was the first time she ever felt him. They hadn’t been THIS intimate.

And fuck... he was actually big.

Her fingers tangled against his green hair, almost pulling the strands from their roots as she dragged his back to hers in an open-mouthed kiss.

She couldn’t care less if it was a damn messy, as her tongue parried against him. She sucked, nibbled, flicked. She ran her tongue against his lips, tracing. Unrelenting. Undeterred. Like it was a contest of sorts and she wanted to win the coveted prize, take it home with her.

“Mmmm... Nami...”

That made her pull back to look at him.

Zoro sounded so raw; it felt like something inside her burst from that.

Because that... that sound... was her undoing.

She panted as she stared down at the swordsman beneath her. His chest was heaving, his good eye dark looking oh-so-hungry.

He looked like he wanted to ravish her right there and there.

“Fuck,” she whispered, gazing at him with undeniable heat in her eyes. Her body felt like it was burning inside and out. Zoro was looking at her with his jaw clenched tight like he was trying very hard not to lose control.

“Fuck...” she managed to utter again before she dived down and crashed her lips against his. This time she rubbed herself against him, her hips rolling against his hardness, hands teasing against his hair, on his neck, at that muscled curve of his shoulder. 

She moved almost unmercifully that it had Zoro seizing her hips, his fingers digging on it tightly like it was the only thing that can save him.

“Nggh... fuck... Nami...”

Nami choked back a sob when he retaliated, his hands now setting the pace as he rubbed her against him. His still clothed hardness against the pathetic excuse of her now soaked underwear was sending sparks everywhere inside her waiting to explode.

“If you keep that up...” she huffed against his lips, eyes locked on his in an attempt to challenge him.

“You’ll what?”

She meant to turn the tables on him, show him that in this aspect of life, she is the one who will come out on top.

But as her hips continued to move in the pace his hands were dictating. She couldn’t stop, wouldn’t. It feels too good.

“Zoro!” She cried out as he lifted his hips up to press himself deeper to her... if that was even possible in their current state of not undressed.

She grabbed a handful of his hair, almost tilting his head back as he smirked cockily at her. Nami bent down to lick his jaw teasingly, making sure he sees the way how sinfully her tongue had done that.

He groaned at how much of a tease she is. How that action had turned him on to the point that he was straining so much against his pants.

In retribution, he shoved a hand between her legs, fingers hooking against the thin strap of the thong he realized earlier that she was wearing He shoved it to roughly to the side, hearing a slight tearing sound that was certainly lost on the navigator.

Her naked lower lips now brushed against his hardness this time without any hindrance and Namis hips bucked wildly at the sensation as her eyes widened.

Zoro didn’t give her time to recover. He wrapped an arm around her waist immediately and pushed her down, her lips parting almost welcomingly, her clit rubbing against his straining cock.

“Zoro!” She sobbed, her body jutting forward, head falling back, her eyes rolling at the sudden, overwhelming and delicious sensation—all combined.

His hand caught her nape, pulling her back to him as his tongue licked at her lips before pressing her closer for an open-mouthed kiss as he continued to rub her against him.

“Oh... fuck...” was all she could moan out as she let him overtook all her senses. The pressure against her clit was unrelenting, her hips was now moving on its own, chasing for that peak she knew was just in her reach.

Her body locked up, fingernails digging against Zoro’s neck and shoulders. He watched—awestruck—as she comes undone while on top of him, his own end tainting the inside of his pants.    

Fuck... Nami was beautiful to watch like that.

She collapsed on top of him. Eyes wide and unfocused, breathing uneven.

But sated in a way.

He was catching his breath just the same. One arm wrapped around her waist as she slumped against him. He tried to gulp in air, his chest lifting her up at every inhale, his lungs felt like it was on fire.

“That was...” Zoro mumbled after a few seconds.

“Hmm... intense.” Nami supplied, cheek still resting against his torso, letting his calming heartbeat settle her down as well.

“Yeah.”

They stayed quiet for some minutes. Both still reeling, still catching their breaths, revelling at the aftermath of passion they just recently explored and exploited.

Zoro’s hand went up to grasp her elbow lightly.

“Nami, you alright?”

She weakly lifted her head to gaze up at him. “Never felt better,” she joshed, grinning cattily at him.

Zoro chuckled as he caressed her arm up and down. The action was so soothing that it had Nami nuzzling against his chest as she took a deep breath.

She stayed there unmoving as Zoro hand continued to stroke her arm, while his other brushed against the tangles in her hair.

Nami almost purred contentedly, the soft gesture was relaxing enough to make her want to fall asleep. The quiet rumble of Zoro’s chest told her he knew she was about to doze off.

She tilted her head to look at him again, chin resting against his pectoral, a lazy smile on her face.

Amidst the blowing storm outside, the scenario inside the cabin had finally settled down.

After a fiery outburst from the resident blond cook (about how the idiot marimo was forcibly hugging his Nami-swan, to which Zoro only responded with a death glare and Nami sighing an ‘It’s ok Sanji-kun, we’re together), it was then followed by a lot of fat of tears, wailing realizations and sugar cookies almost wasted (much to Luffy’s distress)... Sanji relented but not before aiming a murderous glare at the swordsman to which Zoro reciprocated with his own—a wordless threat hanging between their stares.

Only the warmth of Nami’s hand on his chest prevented him from standing up and unsheathing his swords so he could slash the stupid cook to bits and pieces.

The others took it in a stride. Like it was something most of them had been expecting to happen sooner or later. Usopp was all smiles, wiggling his eyebrows teasingly at the two, as Nami rolled her eyes at him. Chopper had stars in them as he looked over his two friends. Luffy was laughing and clapping his feet, like the idea of them together amuses him thoroughly. The older crewmembers gave them polite smiles like they were in the know, longer than even Zoro and Nami.

Now Sanji was almost hanging near Robin’s chair, slump on its arm as the archaeologist patted his head; like that gesture would make everything alright in the world. A few minutes more he was engrossed in the story that Robin was reading out loud. Eyes wide and attentive and now squeezed between Usopp and Luffy.

Zoro sighed. That could have been more loud and dramatic. It was a miracle the chef didn’t spend the rest of the night curled up in some corner, bawling his eyes out.

Beside him, Nami sidled closer. Her head now resting on his chest, eyes looking a little drowsy as she listened to Robin. His hand on her waist gave it a reassuring squeeze and she looked up at him questioningly.

“You listening?” Zoro asked in confirmation.

“Hmmm...” Nami murmured. “Kinda. It’s a pretty interesting story.”

“Not scary?”

She puffed her cheeks. “It is. But I don’t mind, you’re here.” She smiled confidently, patting his chest lightly.

Zoro would’ve chuckled at that. Instead he gave her waist another squeeze, feeling her sweater bunch under his hand, her own slid to wrap around his torso, fingernails snagging the woollen threads of his top.

It was warm even if they were both situated a bit far from the fireplace. Maybe it was because they were all bundled up—thick sweaters and thick blankets. Or maybe it was because they were now locked in an embrace, bodies pressed against each other underneath the privacy of the blankets Jinbei had so graciously offered to them earlier.

He pulled her closer to him. And a contented sigh escaped Nami.  

“You’re warm Zoro,” she murmured. “I can feel it even through your sweater...”

“Yeah?”

She grinned. “Yeah.”

Boldly, she snuck her hand inside his clothes. Swiftly done if he may say so. He would never doubt the epithet in her wanted poster ever.  

His body jerked slightly when her palm met his skin.

“Why’s your hand still cold?”

“Dunno,” she answered almost breezily. “Warm it up?” She requested with a cheeky grin.

“Tsk.”

But he did what she asked, grasping her hand under his shirt with his own, rubbing her fingers through the fabric of his clothing.

Nami hummed softly as he continued his ministration, the coldness of her hand went away slowly, her palm now a comforting touch against the bare skin of his abdomen.

Zoro continued on, even as her fingers started playing against his, the fabric of his sweater still a barrier preventing skin from touching skin.

Underneath the blankets draped over them like a woollen accomplice, they both gave and took warmth from each other.

Robin’s voice carried over the room as she continued to read story after story, a soothing tone amidst the soft crackling of the fire. Once in a while it was disrupted by a gasp, a squeak or a squeal from her audience. It was rare for the crew to stay put in one area, lest remain quiet in it.

But tonight, as the snowstorm continued to rage on outside, it was one for the books.

Nami shuddered against him as Robin narrated story about an apparition tapping the window-pane asking to be let in and how close one of the characters were to open the door for her.

Instinctively he drew her close, his hand griping hers firmly, just as Sanji looked back at them and shot him with a glare.

Zoro purposely ignored him. They have a lot of time to deal with his tantrums anyway. The cook can just suck it up because nothing will change.

Nami was mumbling something against his sweater. Something about how the story Robin was reading was the most frightening one of all she had read so far.

“You can just nap,” he suggested lowly, lips brushing against her orange hair. “You don’t need to listen.”

“You’d like that wouldn’t you?”

This time he chuckled. “Yeah. Been planning to do it since she started reading.”

The navigator yawned. “Point taken.”

She pressed closer, almost as if she was settling down her own bed. The green-haired man didn’t know if he should take that as a compliment or an insult.

Nami let out a quiet breath and in an instant the sound felt soothing, almost like it was pulling him in its spell.

The hand still on her waist moved deliberately, slipping under her clothes to settle on the bare skin under it.

“Mmm, your hand is warm Zoro,” Nami said in a hushed tone.

“So are you,” he said lowly letting his fingers skim the surface of her abdomen.

Her breath hitched and her brown eyes flickered with heat, hotter than the fire in front of them, as she gazed back at him.

He smirked.

Nami rolled her eyes at him and just let him trace patterns on her skin, reinforcing her mind to think of his touch as soothing gestures instead of an igniting one. He wasn’t actually planning to do anything debauch while their friends are just a few steps away (and while the cook was sneaking glances on them) right?

As the night goes on, as Robin’s voice carried on, as the blizzard continued to rage outside... Zoro’s hand and caresses slowly lulled her to sleep.

And then he went higher, fingers barely grazing the underside of her breast.

That jolted every fiber of Nami’s being awake. She glanced up at him, eyes sharp and scowling. Zoro’s expression stayed calm, his good eye fixed on their nakama like he didn’t just do something underneath the blankets covering them and underneath her clothes.

But she can tell from the tell-tale twitch at the corner of his lips that he was fighting the urge to smile cockily at her.

Her glare made him bolder instead of deterring him. His hand was now on her breast cupping it and gently squeezing.

“You...” Nami was about to snarl at him. But her snarl almost came out as a moan when he flicked her nipple lightly before his fingers started playing with it.

She bit her lip as she continued to glare at him. Zoro barely glanced at her, his smile sly.

“Ssshh.” He shushed her almost inaudibly as his attention shifted back to Robin and the others like he wasn’t doing anything wicked to her underneath the thick covers.

Nami had no choice but to relent. She closed her eyes and continued biting her lower lip to prevent a moan from slipping out as the swordsman continued to tease her.

If she drew blood, she’s gonna make his dumb ass pay.

As if Zoro read her thoughts, he smirked at her before pinching her nipple lightly.

Luffy’s snore suddenly reverberated throughout the room. Their captain was sprawled down the floor, without a care in the world. Next to him, Usopp, Sanji and Chopper had all drifted asleep, breathing evenly and looking all serene. Franky was also sleeping a few paces away from them, just near the fireplace. Brook and Jinbei had already left the room some time ago to rest between the eighth or ninth story.

Robin chuckled as she closed her book. Her narration has come to an end as her listeners were now all asleep. Hands appeared all around the boys, draping them with woollen blankets so they would not freeze in their slumber.

Then she stood up, her blue eyes shifting towards where Zoro and Nami was.

“Oyasumi,” she murmured softly, smiling. She didn’t wait for an answer before heading towards the room she and Nami were supposed to share. Robin understood that she will be sleeping alone, because from the way those two were still bundled up together, it looks like they’re not planning to move at all.

She didn’t mind it of course.

Now the only sound remaining is of the fire hissing and logs popping and the ongoing snowstorm outside.

The flame had already dimmed slightly yet Nami’s eyes were a different kind of fire, blazing as she fixed it on the green-haired man.

“You!”

“What?” Zoro asked lowly, his tone almost like a growl. He squeezed her again, reminding her that his hand where still on her breast like he had claimed it as his own.

“I can’t believe you,” she groaned as she tried to smack his hand away.

He reiterated by pinching her nipple again before letting his thumb brush against it back and forth.

Nami almost choked on a moan.

“We’re carefully wrapped and covered,” Zoro grinned smugly. “And they are all asleep.”

He leaned closer, letting his lips touch her ear, sending goose bumps running up and down Nami’s arms as whispered.

The wind howled, bitingly cold and throwing thick clumps of snow everywhere. Not a single soul dare venture outside, lest they disappear amidst the icy gale and all that swirling white, never to be seen again.

It was a dark winter evening, with a threat of a blizzard Nami had predicted earlier that day, already beginning. Yet even though she had anticipated it, the crew still wasn’t able to make it back to the ship.

Now they are stuck inside a log cabin, waiting for the snowstorm to pass.

Which wasn’t so bad, actually. It was safer surrounded by sturdy four walls instead of trekking the wide wintry landscape while a storm was in full force.  

It’ll keep her sanity intact for moment, even if Luffy keeps whining about how boring it is to stay inside. She’ll deal with him later.

The sound of the fire crackling from behind her snagged her attention. Franky was in front of the fireplace tending the fire, his huge figure hunched and almost blocking the light coming from it. The room dimmed and Nami furtively glanced at the window to see how hazy the outside world was looking as snowflakes accumulated bit by bit on window panes.

It was comfortably warm inside the cabin, thank heavens for that. She dared not think how it would feel like outside. They were really lucky to find a shelter and one in good working condition too, because Sanji was able to cook dinner with the provisions they had bought in town earlier and would supposedly stock in the Sunny.

Now the crew was fed and full. All that remains is to rest and wait for the blizzard to be over while they all try to rein in their restless captain and prevent him from suddenly charging outside to do whatever chaos his brain could think of.

Nami shuddered inwardly at the thought of going out in the middle of all that wind and snow in an attempt to yank her stupid captain back into the cabin. If worse comes to worse, she’d let the others deal with it. They do have some resilient ones in their crew after all.

Her eyes darted toward Usopp, who was now busy entertaining Luffy and Chopper with rubber band puzzles.

She heaved a sigh of relief. All good for now.

Nami rubbed her arms to chase the chill away that was slowly creeping in on her. Despite the fact that Franky did an exceptional job keeping the fire burning and whole room warm, she still can’t help but feel... cold. Even if she was in thick clothes, leggings and socks.

Robin walked passed by her, a small smile gracing her lips.

“What a dreary, cold evening,” she murmured, blue eyes gazing towards the window near Nami, who just raised an eyebrow at her comment. Dark as it is, the archaeologist was still smiling, like she absolutely adored the current climate.

“You know some people believe that during winter’s solstice the veil between the living and the dead is in its thinnest.”

Nami blinked, unable to process just what Robin had said. “Eh?”

The older woman chuckled, eyes crinkling in undeniable mirth. “I just read that from here.” She lifted her hand to show the book she was holding before casually striding towards the fireplace chair, where the light was the brightest, to resume reading there.

Nami’s eyes followed her, still looking dumbfounded. What the hell did Robin mean by that?

Now a different chill crept up her spine and settled in her bones. This time she shuddered visibly, rubbing her arms again more vigorously.

Her eyes scanned the room, as it slowly registered to her that most of their crew had already taken their respective places near the fireplace. Robin was now serenely sitting

on the huge comfortable arm chair, her book open and cradled in her lap. Franky was on the other side, manning the fire, poking the logs every now and then to keep it going. He must’ve have added a different log in the pile for a certain pleasant scent wafted from it that wasn’t there earlier.

Jinbei and Brook were somewhere near the kitchen, preparing tea based from the sounds and chatter coming from there. Sanji-kun was preparing nibbles for them to enjoy as he realized that the crew would most likely huddle up together first, instead of going to their rooms to sleep.

Luffy, Usopp and Chopper were lying on their stomach on the floor just in front of Robin. All their attention was on hers, the rubber bands they were playing earlier lay scattered and ignored on the polished wooden floor. They seemed to be asking her some questions about her book, which she explained to them was all about Christmas ghost stories. Their eyes shone bright against the flickering fire like those kind of stories are meant to keep you warm instead of sending chills down your spine.

Zoro seemed to be the only one who was lost in his own world. He lounged at one end of the couch, farther from the hearth and its warmth and almost on the area where the fire casts it shadows. His arms were crossed and his eye closed. A bottle of warm sake was sitting on the end table beside him—the only tell-tale sign that he was still not asleep.  

She quietly sat beside him, her brown eyes still on the fire watching as Luffy pleaded to Robin to read a story from her book.

“What?” He asked after a few seconds of silence.

Nami tilted her head towards him. He was still in the same position... arms crossed and eye closed.

And yet he knew, she seemed... distraught.

“It’s cold,” she mumbled as she stared at the fire, at the whole room, at three of her crewmates whose feet were kicking the air in rhythmic timing.

“It is,” Zoro admitted almost inaudibly, still not moving from his position.  

She shifted closer to him. Just a teeny bit closer.

“It’s warmer by the fire,” he drawled out. His voice thickened by approaching sleep.

Nami frowned and swiftly slid away from him.

She heard a ‘tsk’ and just like that he moved, one hand resting immediately at the small of her back in the lightest of touch, his palm warm against her knitted sweater—she can almost feel it on her skin. The gesture was subtle and rapid, a sort of appeasement, as he immediately knew she took what he said the wrong way.

Zoro was now looking at her, one eye open and serious. “I just meant you’ll be warmer there instead of here.”

She nodded. He had a point. Zoro had opted to sprawl in an area where the heat of the fire cannot reach. Given how he is always doing some ‘winter’ training and could withstand a colder temperature than normal, he also probably chose it because there would be less chances of intrusion from the others, especially since he was planning to sleep the rest of blizzard off.

His hand surreptitiously moved to her waist to give it a reassuring squeeze. A silent way of saying: ‘go on and get your pretty ass warm over there, I’ll be fine’.

Nami puffed her cheeks as she conceded. She was about to stand up when Jinbei approached them the carrying some folded wool blankets.

He smiled at Nami as he handed her one. “This should help keep the chill away,” he said with a chuckle as he also handed Zoro one.

“Thank you Jinbei!” Nami smiled brightly as she accepted the blanket. She hastily wrapped it around herself, savouring the warmth that enfolded her the moment it covered her shoulders. She brought her feet up, tucking her them underneath the blanket and wrapping her hands around legs as she hummed in satisfaction.  

“Thanks Jinbei,” Zoro echoed, giving a slight nod of appreciation to which the Fishman returned with another smile before moving on to hand out the other blankets to the other Straw Hats.

“Here,” the green-haired man held out his blanket to Nami.

Nami peered from the bundled fabric of the blanket around her neck. She blinked at him. “Huh? What about you?”

“I’m good,” Zoro nudged the blanket towards her again.

She stared at him, then at the blanket, then back at him again. Zoro was waiting for her to take it.

“Tsk!” Nami pouted. “What a gallant man you are,” she joshed even as she took it. “Sanji-kun will be so proud of you.”

“Shut up.”

“Relinquishing your own comfort for the sake of this pretty woman,” she continued with a playful grin and throwing a wink his way. “Ugh, just my weakness.”

Zoro glared at her. “Now you have the energy to tease?”

“Of course,” she batted her eyelashes at him. “My ass isn’t about to freeze anymore. All thanks to your blanket.”

“Thank Jinbei,” he nudged his chin towards their helmsman who was laughing as Luffy had rolled himself inside the blanket and was now whining for help to get him out.

“And you,” Nami said as she proceeded to wrap the blanket around her. This time the double layers almost swallowed her and all Zoro could see is orange hair sticking out and her brown eyes, catching the flicker of the fire, making them sparkle with mischief.

“Hmph...”

Nami snickered, the sound muffled by the fabrics swathed around her. He closed his eye and settled back down the couch again eager to catch a nap now that Nami’s all warm and settled.

A gentle brush of lips against his ear had him opening his eye again.

“You’ll freeze your ass like this Zoro,” Nami whispered, her face now inches closer to him.

He tilted his head sideways, his nose almost bumping into hers.

“I won’t.”

They locked gazed for a few seconds. And Nami chewed on her lower lip.

“So stubborn,” she said with huff. She scooted closer to him, practically pressing herself on his side as she pulled at the top blanket covering her.

The navigator stared straight into his grey eye daring him to stop her. When Zoro did not, she reached across his shoulder to drape the fabric on top of him.

Zoro did not make any move, instead he watched her do whatever it is that she wanted to do.

“Better?” She asked, chortling, as she finished covering him with half the blanket. The remaining half was draped over her.

Now they were essentially sharing that one blanket with Nami’s previous one still wrapped around her underneath it.

He gave in with a sigh. He had to admit that it does feel good.

His good eye flitted over to where their other crew members are. Everyone was too busy to even pay any attention to them.

Nami nudged his shoulder as she followed his gaze.

“Are we keeping this a secret?” She whispered in a hushed tone, laced with obvious teasing.

“No...” Zoro grunted looking down at her. He then slipped his arm around her waist to pull her closer to him.

“Good,” Nami said as she tucked her head underneath his chin, feeling warmer than ever as they bundled up under the blankets.  

“Would you two care from some tea?” Brook suddenly materialized beside them out of nowhere, holding a tray with steaming cups.

Nami could swear that if their musician had a face, he would be wearing a knowing grin as he took in the sight of the swordsman and the navigator.

Not that she and Zoro care.

Zoro shook his head as she mumbled out a ‘no thanks’, glad that the oldest crew member didn’t bother making salacious inquiries about her underwear or even let out a cheeky remark about catching her and Zoro in a quite intimate embrace under the privacy of the blankets.

He just went on and offered tea to Jinbei who graciously took it.

“Is everyone ready for the story?”

Robin suddenly inquired, her ever-alert eyes darting quickly on them and giving them a warm smile amidst the choruses of yes.

Zoro looked over to the window. Outside, the snow swirled faster and the temperature had turned colder.

Tomorrow the world will be all white.

But tonight... the room flickered with orange light, the logs popped and crackled as the fire burned bright and everyone quietly settled down to hear Robin read from her book.

Nami nuzzled closer to him, her hand over his chest, palms spread like she was trying to feel his heartbeat.

She basked in the feel of the warm blankets around her, Zoro’s arm on her waist, her cheek nestling against his warm sweater.

Zoro took a deep breath, a sure sign that the he was about to doze off as Robin started reading, his head leaning against hers.

“It was twelfth night when the bell started to ring—”

Nami tapped her fingers against the marble countertop for the umpteenth time that night, her nails making a rhythmic clicking sound that reverberated across the silent kitchen.

She pouted as she let her head loll slight to the side, chin balanced against the palm of her propped hand, her eyes shifting languorously to glance at the window.  

The sky outside is filled with heavy clouds—dark yet somehow luminous at the same time. The weather had taken a turn earlier that evening, the temperature lowering drastically as if readying itself for the forecasted first fall of snow of the season.

Which seems just about right. Nami already knew that of course. She knows all there is to know about the weather and everything that comes with it. It was her job after all. Haredas, her mentor, would always say she could put every meteorological device to shame when it comes to her weather readings and predictions.

But somehow, even the prospect of it snowing tonight (which usually makes her excited because she loves watching it), wasn’t able to lift her sulky mood up.

She should have taken up the shift at the weather station tonight. She’d rather watch over the changes in the climate patterns instead of spending the night alone and watching the kitchen tiles.

With a dramatic sigh, she slid off the barstool and decided to head towards her home office to open her laptop and check some e-mails. That should keep her busy for a while.

She gave a cursory glance at the delectably packed dinner, Sanji-kun had thoughtfully sent especially made for her (so says the note that came with it), knowing that she won’t even bother cooking when she’s the only one in the house.

Thank heavens for him. She won’t starve for tonight. But she wasn’t in the mood to eat. She’ll heat it up later once the need for nourishment arises.

For now she’ll just settle for some good old coffee.

A few minutes later, she was sitting in front of her desk with the steaming cup in one hand as she scrolled her e-mails, utterly bored out of her wits. There was nothing significant in there, nothing that needs her expertise. Her team that was working tonight was handling everything superbly.

It made her purse her lips as she settled back on her chair. Not that she was complaining or anything... she does love it when everything was going on smoothly. Her job rarely gives her such consideration.

But she was really, really getting bored.

The house was too quiet. And she’s all alone.

Nami huffed. Home alone. On the first night of snow fall.

She made a mistake of taking a leave today, giving in to her mentor’s demand that she should take a break every once in a while. Had she known that she was going be all by herself tonight then she would have...

Oh! She can probably still head to the weather station tonight. It’s not late after all!  

She stood up and headed towards the bedroom to change clothes. But the moment she passed by doors leading to the balcony, she changed her mind.  

It will definitely snow. Heading out will be a bad idea.

Nami pinched the bridge of her nose, frustration rising out of her. Why was she so restless tonight?

Usually she had her whole day planned ahead. There was a certain task or thing to do in every hour of her day.

Maybe that’s what’s throwing her off. She was so used to her day being busy, so used to moving ceaselessly, that doing nothing was something new to her.

And her body and mind seems to be rejecting the idea of respite that it was making her fidgety. 

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm her hyperactive nerves and brain. She should just learn how to enjoy this moment. This rest. This calm in between weather storms and responsibilities.

Her eyes flicked open immediately. Gosh, she sucks at meditating. She cannot even focus her mind to stop thinking.

Maybe she should not have spent the whole morning and the afternoon napping. That was definitely a wrong move. Because now, she was awake, active and on edge as the night deepens. Her brain filled with energy and looking for an outlet... something worthwhile to do.

She sat on the bed and made a grab for her phone. It was silent all day. No calls, no messages... something that rarely happens. She dialled a number, waiting for the familiar ring. The monotonous busy tone greeted her and she frowned. She pressed the option for voice message knowing it will be a futile effort.

“I’m bored you know.”

That was all she said before she sent it. She placed her phone back on the bedside table, before walking out of the bedroom again.

Some minutes later she was back in her office, curled up in her reading chair, her coffee still warm on the table beside her, absorbed in a book just had forgotten she had recently bought. It was all about a magical coffee shop and talking cats. It was a charming read and did a good job of holding her interest for a while.

Until she finished it in one sitting. Nami had always been a fast reader.

And now she’s back to moseying around the house, scouring every nook and cranny for everything and nothing, with a cup of a now cold coffee in her hand.

She stood in the center of the living room, looking blankly at the hanging lights with its warm glow and its weird shape. Usopp was the one who created it (as he dabbled in one of the many art hobbies he seemed to find time for) and gave it to her as a homecoming gift.

A thought suddenly occurred to Nami.  Even though all lights were all on inside the house, giving it a warm, comforting glow... it still felt a bit gloomy somehow.

She exhaled loudly. Maybe she should just sleep this whole day off. Maybe tomorrow would be different.

She disposed the remaining coffee in the sink, leaving the cup as part of tomorrow’s dishwashing duties. She deposited Sanji’s food inside the fridge. That’ll be for tomorrow as well. Nami decided.

The orange-haired woman switched off some lights, leaving the whole living room area and kitchen darkened. She left one floor lamp on for illumination. She didn’t like it when the whole place is dark and she’s all alone.

Then she trudged upstairs, footsteps heavy even in her fluffy house slippers.

Outside the weather continued to shift much colder, more somnolent. Despite the superb heating system Franky has generously installed in the house, Nami felt a slight chill, caressing her skin.

It’s going to snow soon.

With a dejected sigh, she decided to wait for it to fall, watching it in one of the room’s windows while tucked and wrapped under the cosy covers of her bed.

But she hesitated when she reached the bedroom’s doorway. It was sinking deeply into her that she was alone. Tonight. During the first fall of snow.

And it was making her sad.

Leaning against the doorframe, she regarded the darkened room. There was a bit of light coming in from the outside caused by the city lights twinkling from afar.

Nami gazed at the bed the other half dishevelled, with the thick blanket crumpled to one side, the sheet beneath it looked like someone had tossed and turned in them. A mere indication that it was occupied some hours ago.

The other half...

Was neat. Tidy even. The sheets were straight, unwrinkled and totally undisturbed. The blanket tucked snugged on the other side of the bed. The pillow was smooth, fluffed to perfection as if no head bothered to lay down on it for the past hours... or the past days even.

This time Nami pouted. Because now... now she understood all the restlessness in her.

She approached the bed, switching the lamp on—the one on her side—as she crawled into the bed and lying down so she can stare at the empty space beside her.

Nami was... absolutely missing her bed mate.

She groaned loudly at that. As if the admission pained her in more ways than possible. She was a tad upset to be feeling this way. She wasn’t the clingy kind. She’s independent and can move and live on her own.

But...

Sometimes tides shift and the weather changes.

Her hand reached out toward the empty space, smoothing the undisturbed surface of the bed.

The fabric felt soft against her hand.

She shifted forward slightly, moving towards the part that she doesn’t really occupy.

It was his space after all. Even the bedside table near it spoke of the ownership of a totally different person.

Hers has two of her to-read-books neatly stacked up, a small money tree with orange gemstones from Robin, a scented candle from Vivi, a hand lotion that smelled like her favourite tangerines, a bracelet given by her sister Nojiko and a small slim vase alongside the lamp with a now dried flower because the person who likes leaving a fresh one for her was not there to change it.

His has a bedside clock, a lamp that was the exact match of hers, an empty water flask, some coins, his car keys and a picture frame with her in it, taken during a trip on the beach before she left for the city years ago. She remembered how she actually forced him to have it, teased him that he should be so lucky to have it, a remembrance lest he forgot who he owes the most money from.

When she came back and randomly found it hidden in one of his apartment drawers, her heart skipped a beat. Framed and kept like a treasure, believing she would never, ever lay her eyes on it.

But she did. And that was it for her. She never let him stray away from her from that moment on.

Well... except now. Now that he wasn’t here and she can’t see him or feel him.

And it was driving her absolutely crazy.

She rolled out of the bed. The restless energy back again. She shoved her feet on her fluffy slippers and swiped the pajama top he carelessly left on top of the armchair. She realized how much it smelled of him as she put it on top of her own pajamas. His scent calmed her a bit, bringing a certain warmth that soothed her frayed nerves. 

This should do for now.

She headed out of the bedroom with no particular destination in mind. She just walked around, spending some time at the room that served as his training area, staring at the neat stack of weights, the unused bench, and the rolled training mat on the side before gliding out and probing the other areas of the house that had remnants of him.

Then she settled in front of the balcony door, watching the world outside. Waiting. For the snow to fall, for the ennui to disappear, for the slight clench in her heart caused by his absence to vanish, for tomorrow...

...for HIM.

She pressed her forehead against the glass pane. Cold underneath her skin.

Damn it all, she was missing him so bad right now.

Nami made a mental note to herself. The next time he flies out for one of his kendo competitions. She’s definitely coming with him.

Her eyes fluttered as she watched the night continue on ahead and lights flicker in the distance.

And when her eyes finally drifted close and sleep overtook her senses. The first snow of the season started falling down.

------------------------

Zoro sighed in relief as he stepped inside the inviting warmth and away from the outside cold. He brushed off some snowflakes that dusted his coat before shrugging it off and hanging it on one of the wall hooks near the door.

The traffic jam tonight caused by the snow was one for the books.

Good thing though his flight had touchdown before it actually started snowing. And it was even better that he was already halfway heading home before it began to fall.

Still that didn’t exempt him from getting caught in traffic.

He wasn’t due to be back today. He still had two days to spend at the competition, with all those formalities of meeting the sponsors and some of the other dojo masters. But he convinced Koushiro that it would be better if he be the one to accommodate them instead, knowing how Zoro usually lacks the patience to deal with all that shenanigans.

His sensei just gave him an understanding nod and a chuckle before saying, “Ah.” Like that simple word just summarized everything.

So he was in the first flight back home. Back to her. And it didn’t really help when he had gotten a signal at the airport and heard her voice in the message she sent.

He didn’t tell her he was coming back now. Sometimes it is much better to surprise her, so he can bask in the way her brown eyes light up, how that warm, almost glowing smile appear on her lips. Nami rarely gets surprise. And it is actually a treat to see when she does.

The entire house was silent. Zoro left his luggage near the front door and headed straight upstairs. He surmised Nami would be sleeping already. After spending so much time trying to kill her boredom and flitting about the entire house.

The moment he climbed the last step of the stairs, he froze.

Nami was slouched right in front of the balcony doors, head leaning on the glass, her hair covering her face.

He felt his heart jumped on his throat. What in the fucking hell happened here?

He ran up to her, bending down so he could check her.

Good fucking grief! This woman is really going to be the death of him.

Why in the world was she sleeping on floor while leaning against the balcony doors in a position that clearly says this could be a crime scene?!

He’s going to throttle her when she wakes up.

Zoro nudged her slightly. “Oi, witch.”

He was only answered by a soft snore as Nami drooped down some more, almost settling on the floor, still deep in her slumber.

“Nami,” he tried again and shook his head in disbelief when he didn’t receive any answer.

Freaking woman nearly gave him a heart attack.

He rubbed a hand against his face before running it against his hair, chuckling.

Zoro brushed the strands of her hair away from her face. Nami didn’t even stir. She just continued sleeping, snugged and seemingly cozy inside his oversized pajama top.

Whatever the hell she’s doing here, he’s just gonna chuck it in one of her weird antics that he can’t say he wasn’t fond of.

He carefully adjusted her position so he can lift her up in his arms.

He barely made three steps when she suddenly spoke.

“Zoro?”

“Hnn...” he grunted as he continued walking.

“You’re back!” She whispered almost excitedly, an almost glowing smile appearing on her face even as she looked at him sleepily.

“Yeah.”

She shifted slightly; arms reaching up to wrapped them around his neck, pressing her face against the crook of his neck to nuzzle it. Welcoming him home.

She seemed to take in his scent and his presence for a moment. Before tilting her head so she can look up at him. 

“Where are we going?”

Zoro smirked. “Taking my wife to bed.”

“Oh,” she breathed out. Then she giggled, seemingly re-energized. This time she nimbly, shifted her body so she can wrap both of her legs around him.

“Zoro!”

He inwardly scowled at the sound. Annoying and persistent, that voice always penetrated the barriers of slumber no matter how deep he went down in it.

“Zoro!”

There was a slight twitch on his eyebrow, an involuntary one. An unconscious response to the sound that invaded his much-coveted repose.

“Zoro!”

This time his brows furrowed as he gritted his teeth. What does she need now? He was downright sure nothing is particularly happening on the ship right now. That was why he decided to just doze off against the upper deck’s railing for the meantime, just a few feet away from her tangerine trees she so cherish.

It was the perfect spot to nap, considering some of their crew mates opted to do their shenanigans down below the lawn deck.

“Zorooo!”

There was it again. Relentless. Like the crash of the ocean waves against the rocks. Incapable of quiet even for just a moment.

Can’t he get some rest? He was pretty sure she knows he was up until the wee hours of the morning, alert and on guard, as she caught on her beauty sleep ever so peacefully.

He hated that she always wakes him up whenever she sees him sleeping about. He almost wants to believe that it was an unhealthy compulsion on her part.

Or maybe she just really wants to get on his nerves.

Why can’t she just leave him alone? It’s not like he wasn’t on his feet immediately the moment she starts barking orders about the weather and where to steer the ship so they could all get away in one piece.

Right now he knows that there wasn’t any immediate danger, or any enemies attacking them. There are no fights going on... just the usual rambunctious laughter of their captain filling the air.

The day itself was peaceful; almost boring that it was making the rubber captain extremely hyperactive.

Does she want him to rein Luffy in? Is that why she...

“Zoro!”

Damn it all to hell!

This time he didn’t bother stopping the scowl that appeared on his face. The lax muscles in his body tightened in anticipation of the tension she usually brings forth whenever she’s waking him up for something, along with the verbal match they would definitely end up in (before a certain aho cook decides to stick his nose in, as her self-proclaimed knight-in-shitty-armor).

Still, he decided to ignore her again. Maybe for the last time before he let his temper gets the better of him (something that only she can effortlessly do, witch that she is).

Just one final attempt of defiance before he... succumbs to... it.

As usual.

“Zoro! I swear—”

“WHAT?!” Zoro finally exploded, now vexed and at his wits end. “What. Now. NAMI?!” He growled, punctuating each word as he sat straight and rubbed a hand on his face exasperatedly. “Why are you—”

There was silence around him. Not a single sound except the soft rustling of the mikan trees leaves as the ocean breeze swept past by it. The orange globes swayed slightly as Zoro removed the hand on his face so he can stare...

...at three pairs of eyes gazing back at him in astonishment, utterly surprised at his outburst.

Chopper was sitting down on the deck, grinding some herbal plants so he could turn them into powdered medicine. He had stop mid-grind, and instead was blinking repeatedly at him. His reindeer eyes, big and soft, yet filled with curiosity.

Usopp’s mouth was hanging open, like he was about to say something as he pointed on the unfurled chart that Nami was holding up.

And Nami...

Nami was staring at him with a totally surprised looked on her face. Her brown eyes were wide, eyebrows almost disappearing against her bangs from being raised too high.

Nobody said a word for a whole minute. Everyone seemed to be frozen as they all tried to figure out what the hell just happened.

“Uhmm...” Nami began hesitantly as her eyes darted towards Usopp and Chopper before going back to Zoro. She still looks totally bewildered. “I... wasn’t calling you or anything.” Her eyes shifted again towards the other two as if she was silently asking them to back her up.

Then Chopper nodded. “U-huh. She wasn’t Zoro.” He glanced at their swordsman again who seemed to be fully awake now and looking just as befuddled as them. “Nami was just talking to us. She never called you...”

A cough sputtered from Usopp’s direction. A poor attempt at covering the laughter that wanted to escape him. He fought the corners of his mouth from lifting up into a shit-eating grin. “Yup,” he managed to choke out after much effort. His shoulders shook as he glanced at the orange-haired woman and the green-haired man.

Oh!

Zoro just stared back at them in his usual impassive way. Even as the heat began to crawl up his neck and creep along his cheeks.

Did he just...?

No need to be a genius to figure out what just happened.

“Well...” Nami suddenly started in an unusually calm tone and a nonchalant shrug of her shoulders that sent a feeling of trepidation to Zoro, Usopp and Chopper.

She rolled the chart in her hands, tapping one end against the palm of her hand to even it out.

Then her face broke into the widest, brightest grin Zoro only sees when she’s about to make someone’s life a living hell.

“It looks like you were dreaming of me, Zoro.”

She threw him a mischievous look that made him want to crawl to deepest parts of hell.

The laughter all-around was rambunctious as ever.

Every single person in the area was celebrating—yelling ‘cheers’, toasting mugs, clapping each other’s’ backs with much gusto. Some had already started dancing, which prompted Brook to start playing his guitar to accompany the merrymaking.

It all started with a bonfire... promptly made by the single-minded boys of the Straw Hat crew who believes it mandatory for camping.

Yet they weren’t even camping. They just gathered in a large open space somewhere in the forest, collectively deciding that this is where they should settle down to rest and eat the packed dinner Sanji had prepared.

Then a group of townspeople who were out hunting in the forest, breathlessly stumbled upon them... while being chased by two equally monstrous wild boars.

Chaos ensued immediately. The boars didn’t stand a chance against an overly enthusiastic Luffy (because it’s meat, obviously), an itching for a fight Zoro and of course, a pissed off Sanji because all the commotion ruined his carefully prepared bento boxes for the ladies.

And now here they are... feasting. Along with the hunters and some townspeople who heard the hubbub and valiantly (or in Nami’s perpective, idiotically) went to the forest to check out what was happening.

Turns out the boars are causing them much trouble, that’s why a group of strong-armed men went out to hunt them and ended up being chased. They were all grateful for the Straw Hats’ help (even inadvertently and even if they were pirates) that they offered them food and drinks and a free stay at the town’s best inn.

Which in Nami’s opinion was such a waste because they could’ve been relaxing in clean and comfortable rooms right now instead of carousing here in the middle of the forest.

Sighing, she took a drink from the mug in her hand, deliberately wetting her lips as she savoured the taste of the wine in it.

To be fair it was good. Really good. Delicious even.

She smiled when one of the hunters, a rather handsome young man, offered to refill her drink. He was all charming smiles and twinkling eyes as he poured more wine in her mug, while Sanji fumed and threw expletives his way somewhere on the other side of the bonfire.

Nami thanked him, sweetly. All sugar in her voice and in a way that actually confirms that he had indeed taken a liking to her.

She saw his smile faltered a little and Nami felt someone sat down on the ground beside where she was perched on a rock.

But the young man recovered immediately and was all smiles again, widely this time, as he offer the newcomer some wine. Nami pouted because now he was excited for a whole different reason. He was all admiration and was now prattling (gushing to be exact) as he complimented one of the men responsible for bringing down the boars.

Indeed it looked like he had a crush on her... but he’s definitely head over heels for...

“Zoro,” she called the swordsman’s name with warning in her tone. She smiled at the young man again who looked like he had stars in his eyes as he stared at the green-haired man. “Be nice.”

Zoro shot her a look. “I am,” he muttered, nodding at the young man and drinking from his newly filled mug. “You better ask the cook instead because he looks like he’s gonna murder him on the spot.”

Nami waved a hand dismissively when she saw the young man blanched. “Don’t worry, don’t worry. He was just kidding. Our chef doesn’t mean any harm. He’s just...”

“Unstable,” Zoro finished for her.

“Not,” she hissed at him. She turned her attention back to the still pale and sweating young man. “Don’t worry about it. You're safe.”

The young man promptly bowed at them before hurrying to another direction which unfortunately is right near where Sanji is. He squeaked when the blond cook growled at him.

“Cook’s insane,” Zoro drawled at he tipped back his mug to take a drink again.

“Just let him,” Nami blew at her bangs in exasperation. “I’m used to it.”

“Hmph.”

They both drank in silence, watching as the scene before them get crazier, louder, more fun.

A smile pulled at Nami’s lips. It was a pleasure to have some nights like this every once in a while. No worries, just revelry.

Beside her Zoro shifted. Closer. She ignored it as she was expecting him to lie down and nap because he probably had his fill for the night.

Then his arm draped casually over her thighs.

Her eyebrows shot up sky high.

Nami blinked and blinked. She surreptitiously glanced at the former pirate hunter, who was still watching the party and the fire before him, drinking like he hadn’t done something uncharacteristic of him.

Her shoulders shook as she fought the urge to burst out laughing, lest she scared him and he retracts his arm.

“Ooohh,” she then cooed teasingly. Nami made it a point to lock his arm in place by leaning forward and settling both her elbows on top of it.

“What’s this Zoro?” She inquired mischievously, wiggling her eyebrows as she side-eyed him.

Zoro only shrugged. “What do you mean?” He asked back, barely glancing at her as he gulped down his drink.

“This,” Nami motioned to his arm, draped over her legs like it was the most normal thing in the world to do.

“What about it?” Zoro raised an eyebrow at her.

The navigator’s lips quivered slightly, a sign that was trying to stop herself from laughing. She let out a quiet snicker instead, her brown eyes darting quickly at the scene before her.

Everyone was quite busy with their own thing. Laughing, shouting, singing, dancing while circled around the bonfire to even pay attention to them.

“Is this you... finally staking your claim?”

Zoro didn’t answer.

Nami poked his cheek. “Ah is it because that guy earlier...”

He lightly pinched her leg. Nami reiterated by slapping his arm.

“That’s not it,” Zoro grumbled before shifting his gaze on the bonfire.

She chortled at that. Good grief. He can be obvious and obstinate at the same time.  

“Besides I think...” he began in a low voice, letting his grey eye settle back on her. “I’ve already staked my claim.”

“Oh,” Nami mouthed. “When did that happened?”

“Last night?” Was the swordsman’s prompt answer. “And the night before? And the day before—”

“Alright stop,” It was her turn to pinch his arm lightly. “You’re just enumerating the all the times we had sex this past week.”

That made Zoro smirk. “I’m not. Just stating facts.”

Nami rolled her eyes at him as brought her own mug to her lips.

Somewhere near the fire, Luffy and Usopp started hooting loudly. They both turned towards the noise, half-concern that they were being called out by their two crewmates.

But they weren’t looking at them. They were just being their usual boisterous selves. Even Sanji was busy entertaining a bunch of ladies who was fawning over his special boar dish.

Well... except Robin. Who was quietly drinking her own wine, watching them surreptitiously, smiling when Nami caught her eye.

Zoro’s thumb brushed against the side of her leg and her attention went back to him.

She exhaled, nudging him slightly.

He looked up at her and she leaned closer.

“Happy Birthday,” she whispered softly in his ear.

Zoro’s grin was wide. “Is it?”

Nami narrowed her eyes at him. “Don’t think I forgot.”

At that he laughed.

“Thanks Nami.” He gave her thighs a light squeeze.

“Your gift is up in the crow’s nest.” Nami said after a beat of silence.

“My gift is sitting right here.” He spoke with a smile that sent shivers running up and down Nami’s spine deliciously. His lone grey eye glinted with amusement and promise of a long night ahead.

“Really?”

“Really.”

The alcohol was on a different level.

That was what they were told when the old bartender brought out an aged barrel, thumping it proudly as he presented it to pub’s customers.

“Only the strong can take this on.”

And so begins the gamble of the night on who can outdrink who.

The belis began piling up, one pouch after the other on the bar’s counter. All in.

Of course Nami had to join. There’s no question to that. No second thoughts.

Of course Zoro is obligated to do the same—whether he wants too or not—after some forceful coercion on her part.

And Jinbei too... supposedly. But their helmsman automatically declined, opting to just enjoy the night and watch the circus unfolds (and be vigilant in case some of the already drunk pirates start a fight).

One barrel later... almost all the contenders were dead drunk, lying down unconscious on the floor or passed out on chairs, dead to the world. Some are splayed out on the tables, snoring, while others can be found collapsed outside the pub. Some near bushes, some near trees and some in the middle of the street.

Because damn, that liquor was like a poison.

Nami’s laugh echoed across the bar. She was among the last ones standing, persevering amidst the rowdy bar patrons, along with the ever-grumpy swordsman.

There was a ‘thunk’ on the table beside them and they both looked on the side to see the only other remaining challenger gulped down the last of his drink and passed out instantaneously, right after placing mug down.

Nami was absolutely beaming. With her and Zoro remaining, all the belis are theirs for the taking.

She stood up immediately, ready to claim their prize.

And that’s when the world started spinning.

Wrong move.

Zoro immediately grabbed her wrist to steady her as she tried to regain her focus, her balance...

... her belis.

“I got it,” he muttered.

“Only one gets to win,” the barkeep reminded them, staring at the orange-haired woman in awe, who just outdrank every single one of the men in the room, except the swordsman.

Damn he couldn’t believe this tiny woman outlasted almost everyone in the drinking game. Where was she stocking all those alcohol she drank?

“There are only two of us,” the one-eyed swordsman drawled. “If you are aiming for one, then bring out another barrel of that.”

The bartender frowned. He only had one remaining barrel of that potent drink. The last of his stock until another batch arrives in two weeks or so. He was using it to mooch some belis off his customers and patrons. It was easy money after all, as the bar wins the beli pot if no contender remains sober.

He thought it was gonna be just the same for tonight. Because no one ever remains standing after the barrel is empty.

Well... until now.

He glanced at the green-haired man again who had an almost bored expression on his face; drinking the last of his liquor, looking like he was savouring and actually enjoying it.

The bartender winced. He knew how strong that stuff is that he honestly thought no one is the seven seas can enjoy it.

His eyes shifted to the woman standing near him again...

...whose surprisingly steady eyes stared dead straight into his.

“Bring out the booze. We will drink this bar dry! Because all those belis are mine!” She declared in an equally steady but challenging tone. There was a glint in her brown eyes that made the old barkeep swallow nervously.

The swordsman just shrugged.

“You heard her.”

The bartender scratched his head and exhaled. He knew trouble when it comes knocking in his bar’s door.

And these two...

He glanced at the pair again.

These two along with their rambunctious crew are much, much, much more.

He can’t afford any damages to his bar. He’s definitely gonna go bankrupt from all the repairs.

Because these people looked like they’re not gonna left any piece of the place standing.

He raised his hands in surrender. “How about the belis are yours and I give you one bottle on the house? Or two. Just don’t trash the place.”

The one-eyed man’s gaze on him was steely. “Wasn’t planning to...” he grumbled.

“Deal!!!” The woman agreed delightedly.

------------------------

“Oi...”

Zoro fought the urge to curse out as he made a grab for the unsteady navigator who was walking beside him. Nami had suddenly teetered towards the left and was about to fall over.

“Nami!” He said through gritted teeth as he pulled her towards him. He stopped walking, letting her lean on him to gain her balance so they could continue walking.

They left the others in the bar after getting the free bottles and the belis. Nami was adamant to place them all in her treasure chest for safekeeping. It was the only thing on her mind as she charged out of the pub and marched into night, wobbling every now and then.

Zoro was sure she’s gonna hit her head first on the pavement before they even make it back to the Sunny.

The streets were rather crowded, with a lot of other stumbling drunks everywhere. Zoro side-stepped when a random pirate suddenly keeled over near them in a drunken stupor.

He steered Nami towards the sidewalk. From the way her eyes were already half-mast, Zoro knew she was good as gone in a few minutes.

He took a deep breath. What a troublesome woman she is, really.

Nami sidled closer to him. He looked down at her when he heard her mumbling.

“Zoro...”

He already knows this isn’t going to bode well for him. Not when she’s now feeling the full effects of the alcohol they just drank.

“What?”

“You... know...”

“Hnn?”

She tipped her head back so she could look at him. Eyes now wide open, but still out-of-focus from the liquor pumping inside her body.

“I want to let you in on a secret.”

Zoro raised an eyebrow at that. A secret huh?

“Yeah?” He prompted as he adjusted his grip on her. She was leaning on him far too comfortably that it looked like they were embracing to a random passer-by’s eyes.

“I...” she attempted to stand on tiptoes to whisper on his ear. The movement pressed her closer to him. “I actually... want us... to be together... you know.” She giggled softly. Then she hiccupped.

HUH?

The words that followed it were slurred.

“But you donm wanna.”

“What?”

“I said... you donm manna...”

It took Zoro a few seconds before he was able to comprehend it. “I don’t wanna?”

“Hmmm, mmm,” she nodded slightly. “Too... bad. I really...”

With that her head slumped towards him. Her forehead hitting his chest heavily that he almost choked on a breath.

Zoro stared at the top of her head incredulously. That alcohol really did a fucking number on her.

“Really... rea... lly...” she mumbled against his pectorals.

Nami yawned. Her eyelids fluttered before a moment before dropping fully. Her whole body sagged towards him.

“Like... you...” she managed to whisper out before she conked out. Like some had turned the switch off and Zoro was left with an unmoving navigator in his arms.

A snore broke the silence between them.

Zoro sighed.

“Idiot,” he muttered before very slowly and very carefully adjusting her position against him. He shoved an arm under her knees and lifted her easily.

He stepped into the street and resumed walking the path towards what he believes is where the Thousand Sunny is, glaring at the curious and judging glances thrown his way.

“You’ve gotten drunk and forgotten about it now,” he grumbled as he stared daggers at a random guy who was obviously leering at the woman sleeping in his arms.

Nami poked her head into the crow’s nest, brown eyes scanning the whole expanse of the room.

Empty.

A frown appeared on her lips. Wasn’t he up here some minutes ago? She absolutely heard the clanking of his weights from the lawn deck amidst the ruckus Luffy, Usopp and Chopper were making as the three chased each other in circles, draped in white blankets with cut-off holes for eyes, pretending they were the ghosts from Robin’s after dinner story.

The navigator proceeded to climb inside the nest, eyebrows scrunching together as she looked around the empty place again. She knew the green-haired man hadn’t come down yet or she would see him as she was on the deck the whole time.

His weights were still lying on one side of the room instead of stacked neatly on the rack; the exercise mat spread out beside it was still drenched in sweat. A towel looked like it was haphazardly thrown on the bench just beside an almost empty water bottle, along with a t-shirt she knew he discarded before the start of his training.

She clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. So Zoro just like... disappeared? While in the middle of training?

Huh. Now that is quite... a mystery.

Sea breeze unexpectedly drifted inside the room, lifting wisps of her orange hair. It tickled her cheeks as it touched her face and Nami had to close one eye to prevent it from getting poked by an errant strand.

It was a calm night. The ocean and waves peaceful, almost like a lullaby. But way up in the crow’s nest the mapmaker was a bit startled that the wind seemed excited, more enthusiastic.

Yet she doesn’t feel any change in the weather.

Brushing locks of her hair from her face, she surveyed the room again and realized that all the crow’s nest windows were wide open.

She did a double take. And her heart began thumping against her chest in loud beats.

Did Zoro fell off the nest or something?

She bit her lower lip. Was he really... that much of an idiot? She’s pretty sure he’s got reflexes that’s way out of this world and would definitely catch himself just in time.

If ever that happens.

Besides, if it were true... what an embarrassment for the future world’s greatest swordsman.

Plus she will never let him live this down.

She approached one of the open windows and peered out.

There was nothing but the calm dark sea against a star-speckled night sky.

The navigator inhaled sharply at the sight. No matter how many times she sees it, in all the times she was sailing, it still never fails to take her breath away.

There was no moon that night. A new moon. Nami observed. It seemed to cloak everything in secrecy and mystery. And yet the stars still sparkled more the darker the sky and the sea gets, the deeper the night goes. It looked like numerous glittering jewels spread out against black velvet. They made the ocean waves glimmer; their light reflecting against the water’s surface making everything shimmer in silver.

How she wish she could pluck one with her fingers and tuck it away for herself—a bit of brightness right in the palm of her hand.

It was beautiful... unattainable... and...

She heard something shifted from the roof above and she automatically looked up. She waited a beat.

“Zoro? Are you up there?” She then asked exasperatedly, leaning forward the sill slightly to peek out and see if he was indeed there at one of the dome roof’s upper windows.

There was no answer, but she heard a slight movement. The orange-haired woman rolled her eyes. She knew he sometimes does his exercises outside, perched on one of the higher windows for reasons she doesn’t even want to understand.

“I can hear you moving up there idiot,” She called out, a vein popping out of her temple as she knew he was deliberately trying to ignore her. Then she heard him scoff.

Nami pressed a finger to her temple. Oh gods of the sea... why was she being punished with a stupid captain and his equally stupid right-hand man?

How bad was she in her previous life?

“Zoro, if you are up there just say so!” She chastised him, knowing how he hated being scolded by her, of all people. “At least I get to report to the others that that’s where you fell from in case we lost you at the sea or something.”

There was a grunt, a thud and a display of agility (that would impress a normal person, but not Nami because she’s used to it) as Zoro swung himself from the roof and into the open window just next to where she was peering. He landed on the bench smoothly. 

They both eyed each other warily.

“Really?” Nami was the first one to speak up. “You’re hiding up there?” She furtively glanced up at where he came from, raising an eyebrow at him.

“Tch,” he grumbled as he cracked his neck left and right. “Just enjoying some quiet.” He stepped down the bench and moved towards where he left his towel and shirt.

Nami pushed away from the window and sat down on the bench. She folded her arms across her chest and crossed her legs. “What is it? Some kind of new meditation?”

Zoro just shrugged. “Why are you looking for me?”

“Change of shift,” the navigator answered almost immediately as her eyes followed his movements, watching him as he slipped his shirt back on.

He threw her an inquiring look as he tugged the shirt down, covering that muscled body that Nami’s mind’s eye was silently admiring.

“I’m swapping with you,” she explained with a dismissive wave of her hand, like it wasn’t really that important. “I’ll take over your shift later. You take mine tomorrow.”

He cocked an eyebrow at her. “And to what do I owe this pleasure?”

“To the goodness of my heart,” Nami answered without missing a beat, giving him a mischievous grin.

That made him bark out a laugh. ”Goodness of your heart my ass.”

She made a face at him not the least bit offended. She turned her attention back at the window and murmured into the calm night. “It’s such a peaceful night... perfect time to finish some of my maps.”

“And you can’t do it in the library because?” Zoro crossed his arms and stared her down.

Nami fixed him with a look that says she’s contemplating whether to answer him sarcastically or let him in on a little secret.

“For a change,” she just said, looking back outside the window at the black, quiet world sprinkled with numerous stars.

Zoro sighed. When she says things like that, looking wistful and all, it’s hard to say no to her.

“Alright,” he relented. “Deal.”

She shifted her head back to him and smiled. “Thanks.”

Then she stood up, brushing some imaginary dirt from her shorts. “Well that’s it,” she headed for the hatch. “Try not to fall off the roof and into the sea when you go back up there to… meditate.”

Zoro scowled at her. “What do you take me for woman?!”

Nami shrugged. “Just a reminder. I’d hate to explain that you fell to the sea because you were actually star gazing.”

“I wasn’t doing th—”

She didn’t let him finish what he was saying. “Hmm... must be really nice to watch from there.” Nami said with a soft smile while gazing up at the roof of the crow’s nest.

“Everything looks more beautiful up there doesn’t it Zoro?

------------------------

“Wake up Nami.”

Nami blinked her eyes open and groggily lifted her head. She blearily gazed at the figure in front of her as her brain tried to catch up with the present.

She blankly stared at the mapping paper before her, spread out on the crow’s nest’s bench with only one straight line drawn horizontally on it—the start of the map-making process.

And then there were none.

She had fallen asleep while in the middle of drawing her maps.

“Tch! For someone who’s always complaining about me sleeping during my watch, you sure do the same.”

Nami rubbed the sleep off her eyes with her hands, mind still in a stupor that she wasn’t able to throw back a quick-witted rebuttal at that comment.

She yawned instead, not bothering to cover her mouth as she lifted her arms up, slowly stretching her already stiff muscles.

“What do you want Zoro?” She mumbled groggily.

He was smirking at her haughtily. “Not used to getting your sleep disturb?”

Now she was all awake. And this time she managed to glare at him. “All these nonsense are racking up a new debt to me swordsman!”

He just chuckled at her threat. “Get up Nami.” The green-haired man said as he threw something at her lap.

Nami frowned when she realized that it was a hoodie. And that it obviously belongs to him based on the dark green color and the fact that she was the one who bought it as part of the boys’ clothing stock.

“What’s this for?” She held it up and figured its large size was enough to engulf her slender frame whole.

“It’s cold around this time,” was his only answer while opening one of the crow’s nest’s windows. “Your maps,” he nodded to the papers hanging in the middle of the room on a makeshift line to help them dry. He was telling her to check on them and make sure they are secured enough so they won’t fly away.   

She could only gape at him, befuddled. Yet she slipped the garment over her head before checking her maps like he suggested. The hoodie was indeed large, covering her top and shorts, swallowing her arms and stopping just past her mid-thighs. It smelled freshly washed; the scent of their laundry soap still clinging on the cloth mixed with a smell she instinctively knows was Zoro’s.

It felt nice and warm. Just like a hug.

Her face heat up immediately at that thought as she checked on her drying maps. She slapped her cheeks lightly to stall the dangerous thoughts that were swiftly surfacing from the secret recesses of her mind along with the sleepiness that was still clinging to her.

Because she liked it. She liked wearing it. Wearing what’s his.

“You good?” Zoro suddenly asked as he glanced back at her.

Nami furrowed her brows at him even as she approached him. “What are you up to Zoro? And at this hour too!” She estimated it was already past midnight.

He just smirked at her again, before holding out a hand.

Nami’s eyes widened. Is he planning to...?

“Are you planning to throw me overboard?!” She hissed at him, horrified at that thought. “Because I swear if you do that. I will haunt you for the rest of your life!”

He just snorted, shaking his head at the absurdity of her accusation. “Tempting, but no. Don’t give me ideas.”

“Zoro!”

The swordsman chuckled. “Come on Nami,” he coerced. “I got you.”

“I swear...” she muttered under her breath even as she grasped his hand, deliberately squeezing it to silently convey that she will get back at him if he’s trying to pull her leg or something.

He was looking at her amusedly. “Don’t let go.” He instructed as he wrapped an arm around her, lifting her up like she weigh nothing before stepping out of the window.

 Nami’s eyes widened, her whole being now wide awake as the cold night air hit her.

“Wa-Wait!” She almost stuttered. “Where are you taking me?!”

He didn’t bother glancing down at her. “Just hold on tight and don’t squirm.”

“Eh?”

“Wrap your arms and legs around me.”

Her brain almost short-circuited at that. Wha-at?? Is he freaking alright?

But Nami did as he instructed, too surprised with what was happening that her body voluntarily did what it was told—wrap her arms around him (around his neck to be exact) and wrap her legs around him (she anchored them around his waist).

For the love of heavens, he was wide! His body broad and thick that she needs to spread her legs so much if she wants to cradle him between.

And that very thought opened the Pandora’s box of long concealed attraction she had so carefully kept under wraps.

Nami tilted her head to observe him. Zoro seemed unfazed with their situation. She was half-afraid he could feel her heart beating wildly against her chest from the way they were pressed against each other.

She swallowed the lump that appeared in her throat. Lowering her eyes, she tried to focus on what shenanigan the former pirate hunter was trying to pull, doing all these stuff.

A squeak came out of her when he suddenly jumped, holding on to the roof’s edge before swinging them up so they ended up on top of one of the roof’s higher windows.

“Zoro!” She exclaimed, clinging to him some more, when it dawned onto her how high up they currently were. 

“What?” The grin on his face was shit-eating as he glanced down at her. “Scared?”

Her only answer was a heated glare and the slight tightening of her arms around his neck. 

“Thought you wanna see what everything looks from up here.”

Nami swiveled her head slightly so she can look around her surroundings.

She carefully dislodged herself from him, knees wobbling slightly as her feet settled down on the roof. She was a bit relieved that Zoro’s hands continued to support her as she tried to find her balance, guiding her and preventing her from slipping away from his grasp.

When she finally settled down the roof, her knees splayed out on both sides, he also sat down as if it was just a normal thing to do. Nami trembled at first as the wind blew around them, taking in every sight and every sensation around her.

She drew in a shaky breath then a laugh escaped her as she glanced around her.

Way up in what could be considered as the highest point of their ship…

…everything just looked majestic. Even in the blackness of the night.

The stars continued to glimmer, the silver lines of the waves continued to gleam. On the farthest point of the northwest, bright lights shone and flickered; outlining the shape of island they would or would not pass, depending on their captain’s whims.

Up there, it was as if she was on the top of the world.

They stayed quiet for several minutes just basking in the sight of the sky and stars, the sound of the sea and waves, the lights of the island twinkling as if they were dancing along a music only they could hear—a tune cloaked by the night and hummed by waves—their secrets revealed to the only two persons awake at this very moment. 

Nami turned her head to look back at Zoro. They were sitting close to each other. Too close if she may add. She only needs to scoot a little bit more and they would be face to face.

A smirk pulled at her lips, confidence suddenly returning in full, all trembling and nervousness from before forgotten.

“I have to ask.” Nami began, the look on her face says she’s now up to teasing him. 

“What’s gotten into to you?”

Zoro already clocked on the fact that will tease him about this and he fought the urge to roll his eye at her tone and her expression.

“I gotta hand it to you Zoro,” Nami continued when he didn’t answer. “This is peak romantic.”

Now that made him snort.

“Dream on woman.”

Nami threw her head back and laugh. She was expecting that answer. She moved closer to him so they were now face to face.

“A rooftop rendezvous with a view of stars and sea plus making me wear your hoodie…” she trailed off tilting her head slightly to study his face. “I must say, you certainly are doing something…”

He scoffed. “You’re crazy. I brought you up here because you said it must be nice to watch everything from here.”

“U-huh, I did.” Nami nodded. “I said everything looks more beautiful up here.”

“You did.”

“And now you brought me here.”

Zoro paused, the retort dying on his mouth when it sank into him just what exactly she was implying by that. 

Everything looks more beautiful up here.

She… got him there.

“You’re a pain in the ass.” Was the only thing he can get out even as he chuckled at what she just implied. That was a good one. But, hell, he would not admit it out loud.

Nami chortled at his expense.

“Zoro, zero. Nami, one.”

“Tch!”

“Well at least I can say confidently now that you are not immune to my beauty.” She winked at him.

“It’s just a matter of observation and the obvious.” He tried to save himself.

“If you say so,” then she leaned much closer. “But in case you don’t know…”

Zoro raised an eyebrow at the way her voice dropped into whisper.

“This is also the perfect time and place for…”

“For what?” He asked exasperatedly. 

“For a kiss,” she said cheekily.

At that he immediately drew back. 

“…”

Nami’s lips quirked into an amused smile before she laughed again, enjoying how flustered he was.

“I just thought you should know. In case you’re planning to haul a girl up on the roof again to watch the stars. Past midnight.”

She then playfully flicked his nose.

“Nami!” He made a grab for her hand.

“But thanks swordsman. This is one for the books.”

“It is…” Zoro said lowly, one hand rubbing his nose while the other continued to hold hers.

“Hmmm…” Nami hummed in agreement, just as the Sunny suddenly rocked against a wave and tipped her closer to the green-haired man. 

His arm was automatically around her to steady her, prevent her from slipping and falling down a great height.

Their eyes locked. And for a moment everything else ceased to exist. 

Nami drew in a breath just as Zoro released an exhale. 

Now was the perfect time and place for…

“BOOO!!!”

The sudden shout jolted them out of the moment.

They immediately drew away from each other, both looking around to find the source of that goddamned noise.

“NYAHAHAHAHAH! MEET YOUR DOOM!”

“LUFFY NO ONE’S HERE!”

“I THOUGHT YOU SAID NAMI IS GOING TO BE HERE!”

“SHE IS! SHE SWAPPED SHIFTS WITH ZORO! SHE SHOULD BE HERE!”

“BUT SHE ISN’T!”

“OH NO! DO YOU THINK A GHOST TOOK HER???”

“ZORO ISN’T IN OUR ROOM EITHER!”

“AAAH DO YOU THINK THEY WERE BOTH TAKEN??!”

Nami gritted her teeth as Zoro rubbed a hand on his face at they listened to the ongoing commotion below namely Luffy. Usopp and Chopper.  

“Those idiots!” Nami’s fist clenched as her eyes narrowed and a vein popped on her temple. “When I get my hands on them...”

Zoro chuckled. “Wanna scare them?”

Nami closed her eyes and she inhaled sharply. A payback is indeed due for these idiots who unwittingly ruined their moment.

He was sitting partly hidden among the shadows casted by her tangerine trees—wide back resting against the white railing, burly body slumping slightly to one side, legs spread out carelessly like he owns the whole expanse of the upper deck instead of her trees, Robin’s flowers and Usopp’s pop greens.

His head lolled a little to the left, as a bubble of snot appeared on his nose… something that should be utterly gross, but in a perverse way, also looks endearing. One of his hands was resting limply on top of his thigh, the other laying limply against the wooden deck, palm facing upwards.

Holy hell. He looked like somebody just murdered him and left him like a thrown rag doll on an abandoned side street.

Dead as a door nail like they say.

But to Nami… it was a sleep of abandonment. A sleep that chased rest to its extent instead of just a pause to conserve energy for an upcoming battle.

It was a sleep without a care in the world—a luxury a man like him rarely indulges.

Not because he can’t, but because he won’t.

It was a sleep that relinquishes every worry, every duty and every expectation from him and of him.

Does he ever get tired?

Nami found herself asking that question one time while she watched him perched on his usually spot on the Sunny’s lawn deck—back against the railing, arms and legs crossed, head bowed and one eye closed but ever aware, ever alert.

His three beloved katanas tucked carefully and almost reverently in the crook of his arms… like they were the only things in the world that is worthy to feel the security of his hold.

What will happen if HE gets tired? A figurative question. A literal one. A question that made uneasiness sank at the pit of her stomach, settling there and making her queasy.

He will get tired. There are limits of course. On guarding and protecting and fighting for them…

Nami hurriedly forced herself to stop thinking any further than that lest she uncharacteristically tear up while she was quietly observing him.

Then like the way she instinctively senses a shift in the wind, a change in the weather or a disturbance in the air of sorts… Zoro lifted his head up and met her gaze.

And she knew that he had sensed that something was bothering her.

They locked eyes for a moment. His remaining one piercing straight into her, trying to understand why there was turmoil inside her.

Why indeed? Because seriously? What the hell was she even thinking? This was Zoro she was mulling about—ever solid, ever loyal, ever reliable.

He wouldn’t just turn his back on them. He’d die first before that ever happens.

His grey eye was steadfast as he continued to stare at her, waiting.

Nami found the answer solely in that gaze. She straightened up, taking a deep breath as she shook her head, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Zoro nodded. And just like that, he went back to sleep, knowing that everything was good again with her.

Once upon a time, his choice to sit and sleep while they fought tooth and nail against the winds and waves of the ocean and the ever changing climate of the Grand Line will definitely piss her off.

His carelessness, his lack of responsibility, his indifference as they suffered to cross the treacherous waters in one piece would send her in a non-stop tirade solely dedicated to him.

But she eventually understood the longer they sail. The moment they are settled, tired and spent. The moment they stop and rest, unable to move or do anything more…

…he would take over. And take care of them in his own quiet way.

And so every now and then she lets him indulge… in her own silent gratitude.

Nami deliberately made her footsteps stealthily quiet as she approached him. After all her ruminations, the swordsman still remained asleep.

She peered at his face, checking to see if there was even a slightest change on that unperturbed expression—something that would indicate that he was on his guard. But there was none. And she breathed a sigh of relief. At least she knows he is really … resting.

He still hasn’t move when she settled beside him, just on the opposite side of where his swords were carefully placed. He was still snoring away, still oblivious of her presence somehow, which is a bit unexpected to be honest.

Her eyes landed at his carelessly upturned palm. Nami can see how rough, calloused, and scarred it was. As turbulent as the storms and seas she faces head on.

She smiled, letting that sonorous sound of his repose fill the air around them. She basked in that moment when she could see him in such a vulnerable moment with all his walls down.

She placed her hand on top of his, her palm meeting his own, marveling at the stark differences.

Her delicate fingers, his thick ones. The softness of hers against the roughness of his was like the meeting of the clouds and the turbulent waves.

How her hand dwarfed against his...

Like it could enclose it all. Nami lifted her eyes to look at his face.

Like he could enclose her all.

She slipped her fingers along the spaces of his, filling the gaps like they were the ones who were meant to occupy the spaces in between. Zoro shifted suddenly. The snoring stopped. Then a grunt. “Nami…” he groaned, his eye still closed.

“Hmmm?”

“You just can’t let me sleep,” the green-haired man muttered lowly, even as his fingers moved to clasp her hand securely in his.

He shifted, body leaning towards her as he settled his head on her shoulder, burying his face at the crook of her neck.

“I would if you stop nuzzling my neck,” she replied chirpily. “Hmph.” She chortled and squeeze his hand as he settled back to sleep on her shoulder.

“You almost didn’t make it.”

Nami lifted her head from the thick, muscled arm that was her makeshift pillow to stare incredulously at the man beside her.

“What… do you mean by that?” Her eyebrows scrunching together as irritation started to take over her. And just as she was basking in the afterglow of spending some quality time with the just-rescued swordsman.

The navigator slightly pushed herself up, leaning on one elbow so she can glower at him some more. Her annoyance grew as seconds ticked by as she continued to stare at the green-haired man who was looking more relaxed than ever while lying down their makeshift mattress of thick blankets, one hand tucked underneath his head, his good eye closed.

Just like her, Zoro was still reeling from the aftermath of their private session. But the being sated and spent wasn’t enough to keep his stupid mouth shut and stop his stupid self from making that statement.

He had the gall to yawn, while his other hand moved above the sheet haphazardly covering them, to rest lightly on her bare hip.

Nami frowned.

“Correction,” she huffed when he didn’t say another word. “We made it just in time to save your ass.”

Zoro cracked his eye open, a shit-eating grin appearing on his face. “Yeah? Those axes were almost a hairsbreadth away.”

She snorted. “It’s your fault for getting caught.”

It was Zoro’s turn to frown. “Like I have another choice.”

“You have,” Nami replied cattily. “Like not actually get caught. Would’ve saved us the trouble.”

The swordsman’s frown deepened some more as the hand on her hip gave it a light squeeze. “We will be in trouble whether I get captured or not.”

“I still haven’t heard thank you for saving my ass Nami.”

“Oh?” Zoro had that shit-eating grin on his face again. “Thank you for saving my ass Nami. You could’ve done it a bit sooner.”

Nami glared at him, now sitting fully upright. And without another word, she hit him in the stomach with a clenched fist.

The swordsman doubled over in a controlled snort instead of pain. Nami scowled. Right now she hated how those appetizingly hard abs of his just made her punch irrelevant. She crossed her arms over her chest, covering the naked, enticing mounds Zoro was feasting on moments ago.

He gave her a lazy and smug grin. “I was kidding. Nicely done Nami.”

“I should’ve let you stewed there longer.”

Zoro chuckled as his hand moved from her hips to her hand, trying to pull her back down beside him. “A little longer and I’d be dead already. We only got ‘til midnight.” He reminded her as she refused to budge.

Nami pouted as she mulled over that fact. Then she sighed dejectedly. He was right. That was the deal. If their plan had failed, they’d be one less nakama right now.

As much as Zoro annoys her most of the time... she really can’t imagine sailing the seas further without him.

She reached out to run her fingers soothingly through his hair as he looked up at her curiously. Nami watched him heave a sigh of contentment before playfully tugging at the green strands just to spite him.

“Oi!” Zoro grunted, grey eye flashing with a warning that she will get what’s coming for her if she keeps that up.

Nami just snickered and moved to straddle him almost immediately, shoving the blanket covering him away.

He cocked an eyebrow at her.

“And what are you doing?”

“Hmm…?” Nami hummed. “Just wanted to check if you still got some gold still clinging on to you.”

Zoro stared at her blankly. “You’ve already done some checking earlier.”

She grinned cheekily. “I might’ve missed something.”

“There’s nothing left. We’ve been doused with sea water earlier. Those gold flecks are gone.” Zoro pointed out, inwardly amazed at how much of a gold fiend she is. “Besides you’ve nicked all those rings haven’t you?”

“Like I’d leave without any sort of souvenir.” Nami rolled her eyes at him.

“Exactly.”

“Still,” Nami ran her palms down the expanse of his chest. “Never hurts to be sure ne?”

Zoro stared at the orange-haired woman above him... even if he was actually anticipating whatever she was planning to do to him again.

That signature cheeky grin of hers was widening by the second.

“Hmmm... You’re not going to ask me if didn’t that feel good or something?”

“Huh?”

The mapmaker was looking all mischievous now. “Or if aren’t I going to scream in pleasure?”

Zoro’s eyebrows furrowed at her question.

“You want to scream in pleasure?” He asked after a beat, wondering where the hell she is going on with this.

Nami leaned down to him, her hair wild orange hair falling down over her shoulders, curtaining their faces. He was so totally oblivious to what he is saying in the midst of a fight and how it appears to be an innuendo even if he doesn’t intend to. She didn’t know why she finds that... endearing.

“Some other time maybe,” she murmured as she kissed him lightly, fighting the urge to shake her head at how... dense he can be sometimes. “You can show me how much of a freak you are some other time.”

That earned her a hearty slap on the ass. 

“Eck!”

“I’m not,” he growled lowly as his hand rubbed the cheek he just slapped soothingly. His other hand had already snaked its way around her waist, caging her to him, pressing her body closer to his.

Nami scowled at him. “Yes you are. You were enjoying your fight with that weirdo. You even taunted him.”

“No. That’s more psychological strategy.”

“I’m surprised you know what that is!”

“Tch,” Zoro nipped her chin lightly as he pinched her rear earning a groan from her. 

“Nngghh...” she breathed out a moan when he started peppering her jaw and neck with teasing kisses and nips.

“But you really are a freak... in the sheets,” Nami said with a laugh when he stopped his ministrations. She grinned as she ran her fingers through his hair again, before grabbing a handful so she could tilt his head up and gaze provokingly at his face. 

“And you’re not?” Zoro asked smugly, the corner of his mouth lifting into a smirk. “You don’t like it?” 

She bit his lip for that. Light and teasing. “Only in the sheets… and only with me.”

He rolled on top of her, letting his weight settle on top of her, pinning her on their makeshift mattress with his body.  

“Wait! Zoro! You’re heavy!”

He grinned. “Nothing you can’t handle right?”

“Ugh I’m just kidding,” Nami pursed her lips but did not try to push him away. “Come on we better get some sleep. It’s been a long and hectic day trying to come up with a plan to save you.”

“Yeah...” he bumped his nose against hers. “Such efforts should be... rewarded right?”

“...”

They had inadvertently stumbled upon an old, dilapidated structure... discreetly hidden in the midst of thick-trunked trees, in a somewhat sunken area of the forest, right in the middle of nowhere.

It was not what Nami was searching for when they started this hike. Heck, she wasn’t really expecting anything at all. The island where they’re at looked uninhabited from the get go—with strong signs of it being abandoned, most likely some decades ago.

She just wanted to explore the place—more to study the area’s layout instead of actually scouring it for any kind of treasure (because it looks like no matter how hard she searches or where... there is none), so she can create a map of it later.

Besides, the crew were immediately hyped up with the idea of adventure that she didn’t need to coerce anyone into accompanying her. Like anything could stop their rubbery captain from venturing into the wild and unknown when he was already jumping up and down the Sunny’s railing, chanting bento boxes loudly and calling out their names so they can finally head out.

After ten minutes of trekking along the dense forest trail Robin had spotted underneath all the foliage growing everywhere... they all got separated.

Much to Nami’s consternation.

But she wasn’t all that worried. Well... just slightly, just a bit... as there weren’t any threatening creatures or presence lurking anywhere in the somehow darkened recesses of the forest.

Because if there is, she was downright sure Luffy and Zoro would be eagerly heading to its direction instead of dawdling about.

Plus, she would definitely hear Usopp shouting for dear life wherever he is in this forest, if danger were to appear. And Sanji-kun will definitely be yelling her name and Robin’s while kicking down and igniting the trees in surrounding area.

To her surprise and relief, everything was just calm... silent even. Except for the random cries of birds overheard.

So she just shrugged her shoulders, adjusted her backpack and continued to march forward, following the heavy footsteps of the green-haired man before her.

Right before the crew got separated earlier, she was just in the process of reaching out to grab Zoro by his wrist to stop him from wandering away lest HE disappeared on them.

It only took a minute, of the two of them shifting their attention off the others and engaging in their usual argument about how he is hopelessly directionless before they realized they were... alone.

And not a single one of their crewmates were in sight.

Nami groaned at that, her fingers tightening around Zoro’s wrist instinctively as her brain processed the thought that maybe something strange was at work and was the cause of her nakamas disappearance. Zoro, however, just shrugged and started walking towards a random direction, pulling Nami with him and almost making her stumble.

She hit him on the shoulder even as she relaxed. If Zoro was going to nonchalantly continue strolling along this forest then by all means it was safe to assume that they are nowhere near any danger.

For now. Nami thought as she released her grip on him before instructing the swordsman to walk in front of her so she could keep an eye on his stupid ass (literally, figuratively). He scowled in answer even as he relented and obeyed, that it had her rolling her eyes behind his back.

They were walking for a good half an hour, plodding up a few inclines that made Nami breathless every time and made Zoro smirk condescendingly as she caught her breath, looking all smug like she deserves it.

She retaliated with a smack on the back of his head as she walked past by him, muttering a reminder to him not to get stupidly lost.  

Another half an hour found them trekking downward along a rather treacherous slope. One wrong move would send either one of them tumbling down the rough terrain and onto the path traversing below.

This time Zoro neither smirk nor snorted as they carefully and slowly made their way down, his hand just a grasp away from her, silently guiding and ever-alert in case her foot slip.

And when it did, Nami yelped. And Zoro’s hand automatically grabbed hers... tightly. His monstrous strength and unbelievable dexterity made it easy for him to stop her momentum and to pull her back almost to the point of actually lifting her up to steady her.

A bit heady and with heart beating twice as fast, Nami just nodded dumbly when he asked her if she was alright.

She managed to mutter a soft ‘thanks’ before they resume their descent—more slowly and cautiously this time—with Zoro watching her like hawk, his hand never letting go of hers.

The moment they almost reached the end of the slope, he wordlessly wrapped his arm around her waist, tugging her to him and lifting her off her feet as he jumped the last remaining feet. Nami let out a squeak when they landed on what looked like a long- forgotten foot path.

And that’s when they saw it.

Nami was surprised to see a still crumbling edifice in the area. She was pretty sure there was no structure remaining anywhere as the island’s forest seemed to have taken over any remnants of dwellings that once existed in that place.

She disentangled herself from his arm, trying to straighten her crumpled clothes as Zoro pondered out loud.

“A house...?” His lone eye studied the wooden structure a few feet away from them. Then he scanned the whole area, observing and gauging for any immediate threat or danger of sorts.

“Hmm?” Nami stared at him curiously before her gaze riveted back to what was before her.

She took in the familiarity of what she was seeing. It was indeed mostly made of wood; with tiled roof curving upwards, deep eaves and elevated floors. 

“It looks like some of the houses in Wano,” she murmured. Of course, she had seen a lot like this back in the samurais’ country, thus the familiarity.

Zoro tilted his head slightly like he was thinking. “Hnnn... seems like whatever this is, it is somehow related to Wano.”

Nami nodded in agreement. It is possible that a group of people sailed from Wano Kuni, ended up on this island, settled and established their own community. That’s how most villages started after all, how cities and countries flourished.

“Think it’s safe to take a look inside?” The navigator inquired, looking at the green-haired man for affirmation. She will not be the first one to walk in and explore an unknown area, nuh-uh. Especially a run-down one that looked like it’ll crumble into pieces anytime soon.

Zoro grunted. “The only thing we have to worry about is if the rickety wooden floors can handle our weight.”

Nami growled immediately, taking offense and turned to to face him. “Excuse me?!” She said indignantly, placing both of her hands on her hips. “I’m pretty sure I’m not the heavy one here!”

Zoro just smirked at her and Nami knows she’s not gonna like whatever was going to come out of that stupid mouth of his.

“Broke a sweat when I lifted you earlier.”

“Why you!!!”

He easily evaded her punch, his hand completely enclosing her whole fist as he caught it effortlessly, as if reminding her of the massive difference between them physically-wise and reflex-wise.

The swordsman was looking all smug again that Nami was actually contemplating on hitting his face with her head. But she restrained herself, because knowing how thick his stupid skull is, that would absolutely hurt her.

Plus she wasn’t that crazy.

Zoro then easily twisted her in his grip, one arm wrapping around her waist again. She cursed out loud when he unceremoniously lifted her off the ground, tucking her snugly on his waist, like he was lifting a sack of potatoes.

“Zoro!”

“Come on let’s go and check.”

“I hate you,” she griped, yet she didn’t even try to wiggle out of his hold as he started walking.

“Yeah I know,” he barely glanced at her as he approached what Nami decided was a house, until proven otherwise. As they got nearer, the orange-haired woman’s eyes widened slightly as she took it all in up close.

The structure loomed above them and it looked downright foreboding. And it seemed like the whole vicinity were cloaked in shadows, the daylight unable to penetrate the thick leaves of the trees fully, unlike back in the foot path where patches of the sunlight randomly dappled ground.

Even the air around them was different. Colder. Everything appears to be ominous.

She squirmed a bit under Zoro’s arm. And he looked down at her.

“Scared?”

Her eyes met his. And Nami saw a glimmer of laughter (at her expense) in that grey orb.

Frowning, she instead huffed. “Whatever fucking happens do not drop me!”

“I’m dreading to think of what will happen if I do,” the tall man drawled.

“I’m serious,” she said with a glare at him. “I’ll be vengeful.”

Zoro just let out a short laugh even as his hold around her tightened. “I know.”

“Zoro!”

“I know alright?” He repeated, his tone dropping a tad lower as glanced down at her again, this time with a more serious look in his eye. Yet there was a hint of that not-easy-to-catch softness in both his tone and look.

And Nami knew he’s not going to let go of her no matter what happens.

Good. Or there’ll be hell to pay.

The dried leaves crunched under Zoro’s boots as he took a step closer, with Nami still tucked under his arm, brows furrowing in scrutiny.

“It’s a house then,” he finally muttered after a few seconds of silence. He angled his head to the right to peer somewhere past it that Nami couldn’t see. “And it goes all the way to the back towards a small temple or a shrine?” He muttered the last words, almost to himself as if he was musing out loud.

Nami tipped her head up to stare at him in wonder. “You’re... familiar with this kind structure and layout?”

Zoro just shrugged. “Looks like the one back in my village.”

“Your... village...” Nami chewed on her lower lip unconsciously. Zoro was never the one to share anything about his past or where he came from. So Nami can only... speculate. There are times where, he’d willingly give up some bits and pieces. And yet, she still ends up trying to connect the dots... figure it all out like a whole damned life puzzle.

She never pushed, even if she was insanely curious. It was one of her boundaries when it comes to him. They may squabble all the time and she may press his buttons relentlessly and even brazenly twist his arm to give in to her demands but she never, ever forced him to tell her anything he wasn’t willing to share. 

There were times though that she can’t help it and she asks outright. And Zoro gives her answers... most of the times.

And now... she sighed. Now just is not the right time for any probing questions about him as they both regarded the time-worn house in front of them.

She tapped lightly at his arm, a wordless indication to finally release her from his grip and set her on her feet. He did likewise, never taking his eye off rickety-looking edifice.

If this is a really house then...

A cheeky grin suddenly appeared on Nami’s lips.

No hurt trying to investigate inside right? Who knows what valuables they might... salvage.

“Come on Zoro,”

“Huh?”

She nodded her head towards the house. “Let’s go.”

Zoro glowered at her. “Now you’re brave?”

She huffed in response. “I’m pretty sure you already used your haki to check if there’s anything inside we should be wary of.”

“...”

“And that you found nothing,” she continued, eyeing the three katanas on his hip. “Or else your hands will be gripping them and instead of me. Now let’s go and see.”

He cursed under his breath. “Of course you think you’ll snag something valuable inside.”

She winked. “Never hurts to look. Even if,” she gave the place a glance over. “Even if the vibes of this place are all sinister.” She rubbed her hands on her bare arms as if to chase the goose bumps away.

Zoro snorted at the irony of her cowardice and greediness.

“Besides I have you with me,” she immediately pulled at his arm, her determination renewed. “No use prolonging it. So chop-chop while we still got some good light!”

“Fine! Then lead the way,” he agreed grudgingly. Not that he’d actually let her go in there alone.

“Uh no,” she suddenly sidled closer to him, grabbing his arm. “We go in together.”

Mumbling another expletive under his breath, he let himself be drag into another one of Nami treasure-hunting mischiefs.

------------------------

“This is a failure,” Nami dramatically announced as she shoved back a book of what appears to be a record of business transactions done by the previous owner of the house with the villagers. “A failure I tell you!”

She and Zoro had meticulously made their way inside what they now confirmed was indeed a house. The wooden floor creaked underneath their steps but held steady as they worked their way towards the whole expanse, carefully checking every nook and cranny, every room for anything valuable enough to haul back to the ship.

Much to Nami’s dismay... there was none. Not one speck of gold, not one glint of forgotten jewellery. Only dust, cobwebs, the strong smell of decay and rotting wood, remains in what looks like a house that belonged to someone with a high rank... like the head of the village.

They continued towards the rear part of the house where a wooden walkway—dotted with splintered wood and random holes—connected the main part towards what looks like a temple or shrine, as Zoro observed earlier.

Both were surprise to find out that it was a library; still filled with numerous books, old records and accounts, along with hundreds of scrolls—all of which were stacked neatly in their respective shelves as if they’re awaiting the return of their owner.  

There was an old writing desk at the far right near a window with broken shutters.

Nami looked around, amazed. “Robin will be thrilled with this,” she whispered in awe. She entered the room, letting her eyes savor in the wonderful sight before her.

She quietly, almost reverently, approached one of the shelves. She ran a finger gingerly across the spines. She paused and pulled out a book to examine it.

A soft ‘oh’ escaped her when she realized that it was all about the New World weather dated two decades ago. She excitedly opened it and coughed when a cloud of dust escaped the pages.

“Nami? You okay?”

Zoro had moved to the opposite side of the room, inspecting the dust-covered items on top of what looked like a wooden writing desk.

“I’m fine,” she replied as she waved off his concern. “Just some dust.”

He nodded as they went back to their own explorations. His hand traced a beautifully engraved wooden box, his fingers disturbing the long sleeping dust covering it.

Zoro lifted the lid and his lips quirked slightly. It’s been quite long since he last saw a calligraphy set. He recalled the one his sensei was using. It was simpler than this box. But the purpose of the brushes and ink inside are still the same.

Nami was watching him from the corner of her eye and caught the small smile that suddenly graced his lips. She wondered what was the reason was for it.

He was looking inside an exquisite-looking box. Was it jewels? Gold coins? If so, why wasn’t he calling her over?

Nami’s appraising eye was already considering the value of that item. It looked like it will fetch a good sum when sold.

“Let’s bring that back with us,” she suggested, still curious why it evoked a rare smile from him.

“Huh?” Zoro lifted his head to meet her gaze.

“I said let’s bring that back with us,” the mapmaker repeated, fixing her attention back to the books in front of her.

“Why? It’s just a writing set,”

She continued scanning the titles before her as she answered. “All the more reason to bring it back. We can show it to Robin.” She cheekily withdrew from the shelves to approach him, stopping only when they were almost toe to toe.

Nami grinned up at the swordsman. “We are not leaving empty-handed, Zoro.” She declared as she dropped the book she was still holding on the table just beside the ornate box.

Zoro fought the urge to roll his eye at her and instead, folded his arms across his chest as he looked down at her.

“Fine.”

“Good boy,” Nami reached out to pinch his cheek as he scowled at her.

She ignored him as she went back to the shelf to continue inspecting it. She pulled out one book and then another, and then another.

“My sight must be deceiving me,” Zoro quirked an eyebrow at her as he watched her almost giddily emptying the shelf as if it was a treasure chest. “These are not the sparkly, shiny things that you adore so much. Why are you taking them?”

She stared at him pointedly and pouted. “Knowledge is still valuable Zoro.”

He scoffed, exasperatedly running a hand across his hair. He knows she just doesn’t want to leave empty-handed. It’s like an unhealthy compulsion.

Zoro looked around and saw some old scrolls and random manuals on the shelf near him. He pulled one out just to see what it contains and was astounded to see that it was still intact.

It was astonishing that these survived being left out here at the mercy of time and nature. He rubbed his thumb against the paper. It didn’t feel like an ordinary one. He recalled Nami mentioning a special paper that could last for a years without getting damaged. It was what she was using for her maps.

This was probably the same. He surmised as he unrolled it, careful not to trigger the accumulated dust on it so much. The paper felt rough against his fingers.

Inside was a handwritten passage. The writing was neat, precise and exquisite. Like it was done more because of the art of calligraphy rather than the necessity to write down the words.

“Sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, thought…” he read out loud. Now… why did that sound familiar?

His face scrunched a little in concentration as he continued.

“Those six sense organs have senses…”

Nami instantly stopped perusing the books in front of her at the sound of his voice. She spun around to gaze at him, seemingly mesmerized.

“Of good, bad, neutral...”

It was deep and penetrating… like it was coming from some unfathomable part of him.

Like he was about to launch one of his infamous attacks with everything he got to obliterate an enemy.

He trailed off... lifting his head up as he felt Nami’s eyes on him. His eye met hers, the book in her hand lay open on her palms and momentarily forgotten.

“What?” Zoro raised an eyebrow when he noticed how... intently she was looking at him.

“That...” she began, her thumb rubbed lightly against the paper as if that simple movement will bring her out of captivation.

“That sounded good.”

“Huh?”

“That,” Nami cleared her throat and nodded to the scroll he was holding. “It sounded good. Whatever you are reading.”

“It’s just what’s written here.”

“Can you read it again?”

Zoro just shrugged and proceeded to do as she requested.

“Sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, thought…

Those six sense organs have senses…”

And Nami just watched him. Watched the way his lips move, watched the calm expression on his face.

His voice low and rich. Unwavering.

“Of good, bad, neutral...”

It was sure. Steady. Like it was grounded to the very earth.

“Then, each of those 18 senses are classified into the purified and defiled states…”

Beautiful in its roughness.

Exactly just like him.

And Nami... absolutely liked it. Very much so.

“One life, thirty-six desires…”

His eye met hers again. There was an intensity in it that was pulling at her. She didn’t even notice she had taken a step towards him.

“Nami?”

The navigator blinked as if she was dragged away from a trance that started from the very first moment his voice reached her ears.

Zoro rolled the scroll back, dropping it haphazardly at the desk as he studied her intently, his gaze now questioning and a bit worried.

Why was she suddenly acting... weird?

Was it the passage written on the scroll he was holding? Was it doing something weird to her?

He frowned. For the umpteenth time, he was thinking that maybe scouring this old abandoned dwelling wasn’t a good idea after all.

He was immediately in front of her, his hand tilting her chin up so he can check if she was alright.

“Nami?” He called her name again. “Are you okay?”

She reached out to grasp his hand lightly still looking at him. “Yes,” she answered breathlessly.

“Are you sure?” He turned her face left and right, looking for something out of the ordinary. “Did you inhale a lot of the dust here?”

“Huh what?” Nami asked incredulously, the randomness of question threw her off. Why would he ask that?

“You just zoned out.”

“Zoro...”

He let out an irritated ‘tsk’.

“Enough of this shit,” he rumbled, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Let’s go back to the Sunny and have Chopper look at you.”

“Eh?” That snapped Nami back to reality, regaining her usual feisty self.

“Hey wait! Wait Zoro!” She objected as he started pulling her out of the library.

“The books! That box! I want them!”

“We’ll get it back later!” Zoro grumbled as she tried to escape his hold.

“But...”

The stare he fixed on her had Nami instantly relenting.

“Fine!” She agreed sulkily, lips pursed into a pout. “But we’ll go back and get them later with the others!” She demanded in a voice loud enough to actually shake the structure’s foundation.

“We’ll get that whole damn library to the Sunny if that’s what you want.” Zoro said through gritted teeth as they stepped out to head back to their ship.

Damn this troublesome woman.

------------------------

“Hey.”

“Hey,” Zoro greeted back as he stepped away from the ladder leading to the Sunny’s bath. “You good?” He asked, running his hand in his still wet hair as he approached the orange-haired woman.

Nami was sitting on the chair in front of her mapping desk. Its surface was a total chaos of old books and some scrolls from the rundown library they were inspecting earlier that day.

They did go back, along with the rest of the crew, to haul everything inside it that Nami and Robin wants. Chopper gave Nami the a-ok to explore the area again after personally checking it. The reindeer doctor claimed that what was in it was just plain, normal dust and no contaminants of some kind were mixed in it.

Still it doesn’t explain why Nami spaced out earlier.

The navigator made a face at him. “Chopper already cleared me. I didn’t inhale any weird dust from that place like you were thinking.”

Zoro just shrugged as he sat down on the floor beside her. “Sue me. Better safe than sorry.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m fine.”

“You just acted weird while we were there.”

Nami hummed. “Mmm... oh that.”

“Yeah that.” Zoro emphasized with huff. “Thought you were gonna keel over or something.”

She reached out to ruffle his green hair, smiling when he scowled at her antics.

“Got you worried?”

Zoro just stared at her this time. Like a calm before the storm.

“It wasn’t really anything short of an emergency.”

“Then why—”

“It’s just that,” she cut him off. “I got entranced when you were reading that passage. It just sounded so good.” She leaned her arm against the chair’s back, pillowing her head on the crook of it as she looked at him. “You voice sounded so good.”

Silence took over between them. Before Zoro spat out,

“WHAT?!”

Nami laughed. “Oh, are you blushing pirate hunter?”

Zoro immediately stood up to glare at her. “NO!” He replied hotly even as the tinge of red was evident on his cheeks.

“Oh fuck,” Nami chortled as she watched him get all flustered at her compliment. “Shit you are cute!”

“Shut up!”

“Nope,” she teasingly shook her head as she stood up to meet his gaze head on.

“Nami, I swear—”

She cut him off again. This time with the press of her lips on his, arms looping around his neck so he can’t pull away or utter a retort.

And he relaxed easily underneath her touch. Just like he always do.

His hands gripped her arms lightly... slowly sliding up, thumbs rubbing against soft skin, before his arms moved to encircle her completely as he deepened their kiss.

“Read that for me again Zoro,” Nami whispered when they pulled away, breath the lightest touch against his lips. His arms were still wrapped around her, obviously with no intention of letting her go yet.

Zoro let out a ‘tsk’. But an almost easy smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as she tried to wiggle away to grab the scroll from her desk.

“Sight,” he intoned. And Nami stopped moving as he pressed his lips just below her eye brow.

“Hearing,” he murmured it against the shell of her ear, pressing another kiss there.

“Smell.”

A kiss on the tip of her nose.

“Touch.”

On her chest right near where her heart beats.

“Thought.”

An almost chaste kiss on her forehead.

“Those six sense organs have senses…”

Both of his hands rose slowly and cupped her face so he could look directly in her eyes. 

“Of good, bad, neutral...”

She continued to stare at him in the same entranced way she did back at the other library. Captivated by his voice.

“Then, each of those 18 senses are classified into the purified and defiled states…”

Nami felt her breath catch as he lowered his head, lips touching hers in the lightest of kisses.

Nami immediately crossed the wooden dock the moment they dropped the Sunny’s anchors. Her strides were quick; her heels and barely contained excitement eliciting small, creaking sounds with every step she took.

The island wind welcomed her warmly… very much like a long awaited embrace; enfolding her into its sea-scented arms and caressing her long orange hair—vibrant under the rays of the sun—making it flutter in her wake as she continued to move forward.

The moment her feet touched solid and familiar ground, she heard the shout.

“Nami!!!”

The navigator’s face lit up, an ecstatic smile appearing across her lips, reaching her eyes and she lifted her arms.

“Nojiko!!!”

She threw herself around her anticipating sister; still beautiful—even more so now with her light blue hair longer—and still smelling faintly of their beloved mikans, with just a hint of the sea and sun-soaked memories.

Nami squeezed her as hard as she could and Nojiko did the same.

“You’re here!” She declared jovially.

“I am!” Nami squealed before her sister can even finish her sentence, not bothering to hide her exhilaration at all.

They hugged again, giggling like kids, absolutely delighted to see each other like Nami hadn’t visited a year and half ago when they were sailing around East Blue again.

“Oiiii!!! Nami’s sister! Oiiii!!!”

“Hey Nojiko! Hey!!!”

“Onee-samaaaa!!! Onee-samaaaa!!!””

Nojiko sweat dropped at the chorus of voices calling out to her fervently. She peered behind Nami to look at the ship. The straw hat wearing captain of her sister was leaning excitedly on the ship’s railing along with the long-nosed sniper and their blond cook. All three were waving their hands in their air with so much enthusiasm that Nojiko can’t help but chuckle.  

She lifted a hand to wave back at them as Nami sighed exasperatedly.

Nojiko tilted her head to look at her before sniggering. “You brought chaos with you?” She playfully asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Chaos goes wherever I go,” Nami deadpanned as she stared back at her now restless and overly excited crewmates. “Well… half of it actually.”

“Half?”

“The other half is still exploring Logue Town.”

“Oh?”

Nami grinned. “Well, our archaeologist is totally into history stuff so she asked us to head out first… something about wanting to research more about the islands in East Blue. They planned for some quick stops on some other areas on their way here. So they’ll probably be here tomorrow at the earliest.”

Nojiko nodded even as she did a double take when she saw Luffy wrap a rubbery arm around Usopp, before jumping down the wooden dock with him in tow. The sniper’s screech filled the air momentarily.

She turned her attention back to Nami. “So nothing’s changed huh?”

Nami shrugged her shoulders. “Yup, pretty much still the same.”

They looked on as the other Straw Hats started to disembark from the Sunny. Nojiko realized that it was just indeed the other half—the ones she already knew from way back when Nami first joined them. Plus the cute reindeer doctor called Chopper, whom she had met along the rest of the crewmembers a year before.

“Get ready for the upcoming pandemonium,” Nami muttered under her breath.

Nojiko laughed. “Never doubted that. Well… just right in time then I guess.”

Nami cast a sideway glance at her, completely ignoring her hyperactive captain, who was still dragging Usopp as he bounded towards them with Zoro, Sanji and Chopper trailing behind them.

“Right in time for what?”

Nojiko’s lips curved upward. “Your birthday celebration of course!”

Nami lifted an eyebrow. “But my birthday’s not until tomorrow…”

“Doesn’t matter,” Nojiko chortled. “We can start celebrating now and continue on ‘til tomorrow.” She looped her arm around Nami’s, pulling her towards the road heading to the village’s direction.

“Come on, better show yourself and them to Genzo-san first or you’ll never hear the end of it.” She cheekily winked at Nami.

------------------------

“Nami-aneki! Happy birthday!!!”

Nami quickly turned at the familiar voices that simultaneously almost sang that greeting. Her eyes widened and so did her grin when she recognized her well-wishers.

“Johnny? Yosaku? It’s been so long you guys!” She squeezed their offered hands and she realized that they were a far cry from the bounty hunters she had met years ago. They were bigger now, bulkier—her hands looking all small and delicate in their grip.

It was ironic that they look more dangerous now when they have a different profession than during their bounty hunter days.

She heard from Nojiko that after their unsuccessful attempt of going back to the bounty hunting business, they came back here to become fishermen, which was actually quite surprising as Nami never thought they’d settle here out of all places. Maybe it’s the Cocoyashi village’s charm?

They didn’t run into them when the Straw Hats were here last time. Nojiko had said that they were on the other side of the island as it was the fishing hot spot last year. The hauls are too big to pass. Besides, that is how they make their living now.

Nami smiled at the unexpected turn of events.

If they are living here now then…

Her eyes quickly darted towards the ever-stoic green-haired man, who was quietly drinking on the side-lines.

Zoro was watching the on-going party in front of him—the supposedly small event for her pre-birthday had turned into a full blown celebration right in the middle of the street… no thanks to the villagers who were more than willing to potluck and Luffy—who had cheerful invited every single person in the area that he met while running around exploring.  

The master swordsman had a small smirk on his face—apparently enjoying the merrymaking even if he was taking no part on it.

Then his eye caught hers. And Nami fought the urge to roll her own. Far as Zoro may be, he was still able to sense her staring at him, even for just a split second. Sometimes his sharpness really grates on her nerves.

She really can’t enjoy observing him secretly, can she? He always, ALWAYS, catches her looking.

The mapmaker decided to just veer her attention back to Johnny and Yosaku who was telling her something about Nojiko’s recent business venture. And the fish haul that her sister had apparently demanded to them to bring for Nami’s birthday celebration.

“Guys, thanks! Those were really great catches.” Nami said, her tone amazed. “All that seafood dishes Sanji-kun cooked are absolutely delicious. And I know for a fact that that was not just because he is the one cooking it. Even he says you’ve brought in really excellent ingredients.”

The two laughed sheepishly, blushing and looking all embarrassed at her compliment. Really, they are so much better at catching fishes rather than catching wanted criminals.

“Ah! Zoro-aniki!” They both greeted Zoro who had languidly approached them and Nami marvelled at how Johnny and Yosaku can do their greetings in almost the same tone, the same manner, even the same enthusiasm.

Zoro nodded at his former bounty hunting comrades, grin appearing so wide on his face that Nami cannot help herself from raising an eyebrow. She rarely sees him this… cheerful. Most of the times it was just a chuckle, a normal grin, a smirk or a sneer.

He settled right next to where she was sitting, right down on the the ground to be more exact and Nami watched with amusement as Johnny and Yosaku bustled with too excitement. They also hadn’t seen Zoro for years and their happiness was almost palpable.

It seems like it was their birthday rather than hers.

“Eh, looks like you're both enjoying it here Johnny, Yosaku,” Zoro observed, taking a sip of his drink.

“Yes! Of course!” answered Johnny.

“Definitely!” replied Yosaku.

Even Zoro couldn’t hold back a chuckle at their joy. It was, of course, nice to see their good old friends and allies thriving and happy.

“Well, I think you boys better do some catching up,” Nami suggested as she brought her own mug to her lips to drink.

“Oh we will!” Johnny was grinning from ear to ear. “We will take Zoro-aniki out the sea tomorrow to fish.”

Yosuka was bobbing his head up and down in agreement. “Yeah, you did mention that you liked fishing don’t you aniki?” He looked at Zoro who nodded.

“Tomorrow huh?” Nami murmured. Tomorrow was officially her birthday. So he’ll be gone out to the sea to fish the whole day?

“We’ll head out early, so we can return early.” Johnny explained, smiling at Nami as if he knew that that was what he needed to do. “Zoro-aniki said the official celebration of your birthday is tomorrow. So we can’t miss that and the feast!”

“Oh?” Nami mouthed as she stole a glance at the man beside her who just shrugged.

“Anyway we’ll see you later, Zoro-aniki, Nami-aneki” Yosaku said. “We still have to deliver some of our catch to Gosa village.”

“Eh?” Nami blinked. “You guys are still working? But it’s already evening?”

“Ah we just need to deliver it,” Johnny said sheepishly, scratching his head. “We are actually about to earlier but we heard you are all here.”

“And we wanted to see you all...” Yosaku added.

“And you both lost track of time,” Nami stated the obvious for them.

She was answered with awkward laughter.

“Well, see you two later then,” Zoro said, smirking. “Do what you need to do first then we drink.” He raised the tankard he was holding slightly before gulping it down with gusto.

“Will do!” The two shouted with so much eagerness, before turning around to run back to their ship so they can finish their task and get back to the celebration asap.

Nami and Zoro just watched them disappear in a cloud of dust and excited whispers. Somewhere around they can both hear Usopp’s voice narrating another one of his infamous tales of bravery to a most likely unsuspecting audience plus one gullible reindeer.

“Honestly didn’t expect this to become a full blown party,” Zoro muttered after few minutes of silently sitting, drinking and watching the villagers going to and fro. It was like after the fall of Arlong Park. Everyone was out on the streets eating, drinking, and laughing.

Only this time… it’s to celebrate her.

“Me neither.” Nami said with sighed. “And to be exact, it’s not even my birthday yet.”

“Right.”

“Actually didn’t expect those two will stay here,” Nami wondered out loud. “You?”

Zoro just shook his head. “For what it’s worth, I think they’ve settled here... settled good.”

“Hmmm… guess you’ll have a reason to come with me whenever I return here,” the grin that she threw at him was cheeky enough that Zoro instantly knew this meant trouble for him.  

“Make me,” he can’t help but challenged.

“Oh you know I will,” Nami retorted haughtily. “And I can!”

They held each other’s stare intently, neither one backing down. This was almost like a game to them and not really animosity as some would think.

Then a sudden bothering thought hit Nami.

“Zoro where is Luffy?”

Her eyebrows furrowed and now she was on high alert. It had been a rather tepid celebration compared to what she is used to. It should be chaotic right now and loud. Surprisingly there wasn’t any tell-tale signs and sounds of Luffy going full boisterous or even Sanji’s persistent shouts of ‘hands off shitty gomu’ or ‘not cooked yet you idiot’.

Nami noticed a slight movement on Zoro’s lips. Like he was trying really hard not to burst out laughing.

“Getting interrogated by your father figure,” he answered simply after managing to compose himself with little effort.

Nami blinked as she processed what he just said. “Luffy is with Genzo-san?”

This time Zoro smirked. “Yeah,”

Now that is trouble alright. Nami could swear her face blanched slightly at that, knowing how unrelenting the man who is a like parent to her and Nojiko.

It was almost like a recipe for a disaster.

Nami then fixed Zoro with a stare.

“Shouldn’t you be there as well?”

A snort was his answer. “No thank you. He can handle it just fine.”

That made Nami burst into laughter, kind of expecting that response from him. “Oh what’s this? You’re trying to get away or something?”

She stood up as Zoro regarded her with a rather sharp eye. But she just smiled at him cheekily.

“You have to eventually face him too you know…. rescue Luffy from his clutches… things like that.”

Nami then patted his shoulder, as if trying to appease him. “Good luck.”

------------------------

“Whoa, whoa easy with the liquor.” Nojiko teased when she spotted Nami, who was refilling her mug as sneakily as she can from one of the many taps they had prepared for her birthday tomorrow. “Those are still for tomorrow!”

Nami stuck her tongue out at her. Childishly. And Nojiko laugh, knowing that she’ll never be able to stop her stubborn sister.

“You’ve got to save some for tomorrow!”

“Relax Nojiko,” Nami said soothingly, before heartily gulping down a mouthful of her pilfered liquor. “This is barely grazing the surface. Plus these are the good stuff. Why aren’t we having them right now?”

“Uh-huh,” Nojiko now had her hands on her hips. “Do you plan to get drunk before it’s officially your birthday?”

 “I don’t get drunk easily, you know that.” Nami chortled as she took another tankard and filled it.

“Whoa,” Nojiko held up both of her hands in the air in mock surrender. “I said easy with it. Not have your fill with it!”

“I am going easy,” Nami threw her a frown. “Besides this is not for me.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. Oh.” The orange-haired girl echoed. She tilted her head. “Heard from Johnny and Yosaku that you had a new business venture.” She lifted the mugs in her hands. “So I’m evaluating it.”

She got a snort from that. “Evaluating my ass. Of course I’m expanding. It’s good for business. And you actually liked it,” She pointed an accusing finger at Nami then at the mugs. “So much that I know this is the fourth time you went to refill your tankard with it.”

“You’re keeping tabs?” Nami said with an exaggerated gasp. Then she snickered. “Of course I liked it. It’s made from Bellemere-san’s mikans! How can I not like it?”

“Still, whether you liked it so much or not, isn’t this going a bit overboard.” Nojiko eyed the mugs in her hand warily.

“I’m not the only one here who loves drinking,” Nami replied in an obviously exaggerated nonchalant way that had Nojiko raising one perfectly shaped eyebrow.

“Okay…”

Nojiko’s brows furrowed when she followed Nami as she headed back to where the green-haired swordsman was sitting on the ground, still quietly watching the event in front of him and still drinking.

She watched her sister approached him and with an authoritative tone Nami said,

“Zoro, drink this.”

Zoro stared up at her, face scrunching into a frown, looking like he was about to tell her off. Nojiko had observed up close how their dynamics are from the very first time the man set foot on their village and also last year when their crew dropped by for a quick visit.

Up until now…

She absolutely finds it interesting.

Nojiko wasn’t surprised when Zoro just let out an annoyed grunt, and accepted the tankard that Nami had handed him.

She kept one eyebrow cocked as her sister settled on the bench beside the swordsman. Zoro took a taste of the new drink and then another.

He licked his lips, “Oi this is actually good.”

Nami beamed at her sister. “Well looks like you’ve got a hit.” She wiggled her eyebrows meaningfully at Nojiko.

The light-blue haired woman just continued scrutinizing them as they slipped into an almost easy conversation about how the drink was of Nojiko’s doing, a move to broaden the horizons of her mikan business.

A sort of understanding settled inside Nojiko as she continued to watch them talk, before shifting into a light banter of who can outdrink who.

And she can’t help but wonder if... that was slight flirting? In their own language?

Nojiko inwardly shook her head. It is too early to draw conclusions. But…

She suddenly clapped her hands to get their attention. Both Zoro and Nami instantly turned towards her, their somehow inside quips (that only the two of them can probably comprehend) forgotten.    

“Sorry to burst your…” she paused for effect. “Private bubble.” She grinned when a frown appeared on Nami’s face at her obvious teasing. “But I did promise the ladies of town something.” She stated, casually brushing imaginary dust off her pants.

Nami stared at her, all curious. “Promise?”

Nojiko smiled, smugly if Nami was to be accurate. The kind of smile and smug that had alarm bells ringing inside her head.

“Yup,” she took a step towards Zoro and bent down.

“Come on. Come with me.”

Both Zoro and Nami stared up at her. Then at each other. Then back to Nojiko again.

“Why?” Nami was the first to ask.

“Huh why?” Zoro was a second late with his own question.

Nojiko straightened up with a deep exhale. Like the question exasperated her. Like she didn’t want to explain.

She wasn’t Nami sister if she wasn’t just as bold and cheeky as the orange-haired woman is when needed.

Nojiko wrapped a hand on Zoro’s arm and gave him a slight tug so he would stand up.

And Zoro surprisingly obeyed, earning an astonished look from Nami, her eyes widening slightly.

“Uhm excuse me but where are you taking him?” Nami fought the urge to stand up as well and block her sister’s way. She had a gut feeling that it wouldn’t bode well for her if she did that.

There was that smug grin again. “The ladies of our village wanted to meet the ‘handsome, green-haired man with arms they want to get head-locked with.” Nojiko explained, her smile and tone both equally mischievous.

“Head-locked WHAT?!” Nami repeated—no—almost spat out.

Nojiko whistled. “Wow! That’s what you retained from what I said?”

“Oi,” Zoro growled, not amused. He obviously got what that meant and he is obviously not happy being paraded in front of strangers with unscrupulous motives.

And neither was Nami as she started to glower at her sister.

Nojiko ignored her. “Come on, come on,” she urged, pulling him with her, leaving Nami—who now stood up—looking bewildered.

“Nojiko!”

She stopped halfway to gaze at Nami, her eyes dancing with mirth looking all impish.

“You don’t mind do you?”

And Nami bristled at that. And stuttered. “O-o-of course not! Do what you want!” She added a bit too hotly.

“Then let’s go Zoro-san,” Nojiko sing-songed as she pulled the still perplexed swordsman away.

“You’re not going to ask me if I mind?” He grumbled even as he let Nami’s sister pull him  from the now obviously seething navigator.

“You’re meeting pretty girls. I’m sure you don’t.” She responded brazenly, looking back to watch Nami plopped back down her seat, pouting and sullenly taking a hearty gulp of her drink.

Of course she doesn’t mind. Why should she?

Nojiko was now grinning from ear to ear.

Why indeed?

------------------------

Of course she doesn’t mind. Why should she?

The words rang persistently inside Nami’s brain. Insistent, irritating.

She bit at the rim of her mug in frustration. Whatever her sister was playing at… she knows it’s to hit two birds with one stone. The smugness in her smile says it all.

Her eyes shifted towards where Nojiko had pulled Zoro and to her chagrin; there is a group of men and women there, all eyes looking adoringly at the second strongest man in their crew.

Some eyes are probably doing more than look, and was bordering towards not safer thoughts.

Nami was all too familiar with that.

The annoying thing about all this is that Zoro actually let her sister drag him to where she wanted to bring him without any fight, with only just one question and no other retorts. Nami knows if he wanted, he can easily get out of that shenanigan the way he usually does…

… by being infuriatingly stubborn.

That was what actually irks her more.

She watched with frustration as Nojiko seemed to introduce him to the villagers. And Nami can’t help the scowl that appeared on her face. She continued to glare at the group. At stupid Zoro. At her mischievous older sister…

Her eyes locked with Nojiko’s and Nami felt a cold sweat trickle down her back. She straightened up instantly, schooling her face into a disinterested expression and obliterating the scowl she had on earlier.

There was a dawning realization on Nojiko’s face as she stared back at her.

------------------------

Nojiko all but swallowed the laugh that wanted to burst out from her. She couldn’t believe she easily caught on what was currently happening with her sister. Nami just handed it to her in a silver platter.

“Alright,” she spoke up amidst the chatter and questions for the tall man beside her. “That’s it ladies and gents. I promised. I delivered.” She tugged at Zoro’s arm again. “Now I have to give him back... before my sister decides to kill me.”

A collective groan sounded out from the group.

Zoro stared at her liked she’d grown another head. And Nojiko only answered him with a smirk. She patted his arm in a placatory way.

Strongest swordsman or not, this man can still be easily perplexed and overwhelmed by things like... casual introductions to a group of admirers.

Nojiko betted on that. Because it seems like her sister have him already wrapped around her pretty, mischievous fingers.

And she wants to prove it.

“What was that all about?” Zoro finally composed himself enough to ask Nojiko what the fuck is happening.

“Don’t mind it. They just wanna meet you. They’re curious is all.”

“Huh?”

“And now I’m returning you.”

“…”

“Before Nami strangles me.”

Zoro stopped. With an exasperated sigh, he scratched his head.

“She’s gonna be pretty pissed. No,” he corrected. “She already is.”

And this time Nojiko finally bellowed the laugh she was holding.

“I know,” she said between chortles, wiping the tears of amusement at the corner of her eyes with one finger. “She can be so…” she glanced at Zoro up and down. “Possessive.”

The swordsman didn’t answer. And Nojiko waved her hand dismissively. “I already know what’s up. I don’t need to say anything, do I?”

“No.”

“Good.” Nojiko nodded; pleased they are on the same page. She knows how he can be… dense. She heard Nami complained about it a hundred times or more.

She was just glad that when it comes to her sister he is… less so and more attuned and definitely attentive in his own way.

She heard him click his tongue against the roof of his mouth. “Well,” he said lowly. “She just disappeared.”

Nojiko glanced at where Nami was sitting earlier. The bench was vacant with only the tankards remaining on it.

She sighed. “She’s probably headed there to cool off,” her eyes drifted up towards the cliff in one of the highest point on the island. “I did push her buttons extremely hard this time.”

Zoro just chuckled. “She’s a handful. And I’m being... polite.”

“I swear that’s what she also says about you.” Nojiko grinned, shaking her heard in amusement. “Well, nothing you can’t handle right? So I’ll leave it to you.

Zoro nodded.

“And oh, you do realize…” Nojiko doubled back. “Genzo-san will be ‘talking’ to you tomorrow,” Nojiko tilted her head to take in his faltering expression. “And it’s probably gonna be longer than the conversation he had with your captain.”

------------------------

“Figured you’d go here for some quiet.”

Nami turned at the sound of Zoro’s voice. She was sitting in front of Bell-mere’s grave. Just taking in the quiet, the island, the everything.

“Don’t you figured you’d go here for some quiet me!” Nami pouted, narrowing her eyes at the approaching man. “I know Nojiko told you where I am.”

He just shrugged his shoulders.

Nami didn’t bother hiding the look of awe on her face. “But I am really surprised that you actually made your way here without getting lost!”

“Oi,” a vein ticked on his forehead.

“Thought I’d need to arrange a search party for you,” Nami snickered. “And just right before my birthday.”

He scowled at her. “I am here aren’t I?”

She nodded. “True, true. Besides I actually prefer searching for treasures instead of directionless people…” she trailed off as she regarded him. “Person…” she amended.

“I can find my damn way alright woman! What do you take me for?!”

“You really don’t want me to answer that.”

Zoro huffed in exasperation as he sat down beside her, before handing her a bottle of what looked like an expensive and rather rare liquor.

Her brown eyes widened when she realized what it was.

“Damn this is from Liqueur Island!” She was almost breathless in awe because she knows you cannot just get it that easily.

Zoro’s grin was so arrogant that she was tempted to give him a good smack. But she refrained—her token of appreciation because she knows how hard it was to get your hands on this kind of beverage. And there is only one island in the New World that has it.

Her brows knitted together and she had to ask. “Please don’t tell me you got into a lot of crazy trouble and unnecessary scuffles just to get this.”

“Not that much if you know where and how to get it.” Was all Zoro said and she knew that was all she was getting out of him.

She’s just gonna wheedle out the information from Usopp later.

“Oh well, this is rather generous of you!” She rolled the bottle in her hands—examining it, appreciating it, watching the golden liquid sway inside in a sort of fluid dance. “Now I am feeling rather special.”

He smiled cockily. “Don’t get used to it.”

“Never.” Nami sniggered as set the bottle beside her. She knows it was his birthday present. Along with some folding money if she attempts to pat his whole person from head to toe.

“So how did Nojiko’s introductions go?” She can’t help but asked. She was not a bit peeved anymore. It had already eased out of her as she basked near the presence of her mother.

“Don’t really care much about it,” he drawled. “Pretty sure your sister just wanted to confirm something.”

“Hmm… that she did.” Nami inhaled deeply as the breeze ruffled her hair softly. “She knows.”

“She does.”

“Oh well… my sister’s that sharp. You can’t hide anything from her.”

“There is nothing to hide.”

A smile spread across Nami’s lips at that. “Of course,” she good-humoredly nudged his shoulder with hers.

“Ah Zoro, did you know you have to pay respects to Bell-mere-san don’t you?”

Zoro looked at her intently before shifting his grey eye to the stone marker in front of them.

“I already did. Who did you think placed that bottle of wine there?” He tipped his chin to indicate to the bottle ever-so-carefully placed there. Nami had been wondering alright where it came from.

And know she knows.

Her smile was Cheshire cat-like. “You’re trying to butter up Belle-mere-san?”

Zoro huffed. And instead of answering, he just settled down the grassy ground, lying flat on his back and tucking his hands behind his head as if he plans to sleep there.

Nami watched him for a moment, before riveting her eyes to the vast ocean before them, way beyond the cliff.

They were quiet for a moment. Nami just thinking and Zoro probably sleeping already.

“Nami,” he suddenly called her name and now he had all of Nami’s attention. He was looking at her fully, intently.

“Happy Birthday.”

Nami glanced at the southern area of sky, the full silver moon was at its highest point.

It was indeed midnight… and officially her birthday.

“Hmmm… thanks Zoro,” she grinned affectionately, flicking his forehead with her fingers lightly.

He made a grab for her before she can even withdraw it. And Nami just let him. There’s no use trying to avoid his grip when his reflexes are so much faster than hers.

He dragged it down towards his lips to plant a kiss on her palm.

“Ah Zoro, aren’t we getting bold? And right in front of Bell-mere-san’s grave too.” She joshed. “Did you already ask for her permission?”

He scowled, even as his hand was still grasping hers, not letting go. “We’ve already done worse.”

This time she smacked his head hard enough to rattle some sense into him.

He groaned and rubbed the abused part, finally letting go of her hand.

“You’re the worst!”

He just chuckled. “Already did witch,” he smirked lazily at her. The kind that made butterflies flutter inside her stomach. “Right when I offered that wine there.”

“And she said yes?”

“Hnn… she probably did.” Zoro mumbled as his arm snaked around her waist tugging her closer as he continued to lie down there. “Bottle didn’t break right?”

“What kind of logic is that?” She hissed at him, even as she let him wrapped her in a half embrace.

Her palm settled flat against his chest, just right where his heart beats, as she leaned closer to him. His thumb absent-mindedly traced circles on her back.

She paused, momentarily letting the steady rhythm of his heart steady her as well. Secure her.

Nami smiled at where her mother rested. If she was watching them right now, she knows she is happy.

She knows that Nami is right where she belongs.

“Well then… you should ready yourself,” Nami finally spoke after a few minutes of silence.

 “For what?” Zoro grunted.

“Bell-mere-san might not break that bottle. But Genzo-san will absolutely break you.” Nami cackled like the witch that Zoro ‘fondly’ calls her.

“He will surely be ‘talking’ to you tomorrow. It’s your turn to be interrogated.”

She felt Zoro stilled as it sink into him and she laughed.

“You sister also said that.”

It was the cold that woke her up.

Nami felt her body twitched involuntarily, an unwanted reaction from the sudden drop in the temperature around her and the surprisingly cold air suddenly caressing her skin out of the blue.

It made her stir from sleep, brows furrowing as an irritated groan rumbled in her throat—a trivial complaint by her consciousness that wasn’t too happy at being pulled into wakefulness.

Still on the verge of sleep, she tried to feel for her blanket with her feet, her movement sluggish, trying her damndest to keep her action miniscule enough so as not to completely disrupt her slumber and get back to the comfortable state of stupor that still had her cradled in its embrace.

Another groan escaped her—a bit louder this time—when her feet touched nothing as she swiped it back and forth at the space further down. Often she would find her blanket crumpled or bunched up at her feet, kicked down below from all her twisting and turning while fast asleep.

She doesn’t want to get up and look for it. She doesn’t want to exert any effort at all to find it. She doesn’t want to move. All she wants to do is to go back to sleep!

But the weather outside seemed to be changing abruptly. The temperature dropping by the minute and the cold was starting to become intolerable for her. 

With eyes still closed, Nami continued to move her feet. Her toe stroke a hard surface instead of the soft, familiar fluffiness of her mattress. That made her stop and this time she whimpered in frustration.

What the…

A chilly breeze wafted inside from the open window and stroked the bare skin of her shoulder, its caress as cold as ice and she trembled again.

This time Nami willed her right hand to move, fighting against the heaviness of her still sleeping muscles. She patted her body down and then her sides to try to find her blanket or any article, anything at all, that she can use to cover herself up for warmth.

She didn’t bother stopping the whine coming out of her from sheer exasperation. Now she had no choice but to wake up, sit up and look for that damn piece of fabric so she can return to her peaceful, much-coveted rest.

“Tch.”

A disgruntled sound. An almost annoyed sound. Before a deep voice grumbled somewhere above her, near her.

“What were you thinking? Coming up here and sleeping with just this shawl…”

Nami stilled for a moment, her eyes still closed and still at war with herself is she will move or not.

Her consciousness was now one step ahead of her—awake and alert—running through a dozen of reasons why that voice was anywhere near her vicinity; at this hour, in her bedroom, while she’s asleep.

Coming up here…

She instantly yet sleepily recalled that she was not in her bedroom. She was up in the crow’s nest, as she climbed there after the midnight watch shift changed earlier.

So that was what her toe was touching earlier—the nest’s cold, metal floor!

Yet even as realization dawned into her, she stubbornly kept her eyes closed. And her hand still persistently tried to grope for any sort of material she can cover herself with.

She was still teetering between the line of sleepiness and wakefulness. But she knew that she was leaning more towards the verge of falling back asleep… that is if she finds something to drape over her poor shuddering self.

“Tch!” Nami heard that annoying sound again. Louder and deliberate this time. “Crazy woman,” she heard it muttered amidst the shuffling sound of someone moving.

Voice still scratchy from sleep, Nami managed to find enough strength to speak up a retort.

“I heard that Zoro!”

“Good,” was his only response.

“I’ll make you regret that later… when I’m…” a yawned pulled at her mouth. “…fully awake.”

She heard him scoffed.

That jerk! Oh she would start a row with him if he wants to! But she’s too sleepy for that. Her eyelids were heavy, refusing to lift up so she can glare daggers at green-haired man.

So she chose to ignore him, snuggling her cheek closer to the pillow under her head and settling back again. Draft wafted from the open windows of the crow’s nest again, this time a bit stronger and much colder.  

Nami wasn’t sure if the sound that came out of her is a groan or a whimper as she shivered again, her body automatically curling itself as it tried to warm itself up against the now icy cold onslaught.  

Then a sudden warmth seemed to swathe itself over her shoulders and her body, right down to her legs. She welcomed the comfort it brought with a gratified moan. It was like she was being enveloped, embraced…

Except it didn’t reach her feet.

Nami grimaced. With a discontented sound, she tried to bring up her feet to the warmth by curving her body more. But the movement made the cloth draped over her shoulder slid down exposing a bit of her skin to the cold again.

She groaned again and she could swear she heard Zoro snorted at her action.

Now her whole being was instantly wide awake. She abruptly turned to her side and glared at the swordsman, who was sitting almost beside her, arms folded over his chest, watching her.

Zoro cocked his head to the side as he stared back at her. “I told you to just stay down in your room.”

She stared at him for a moment. Then huffed. “And I told you, I want to spend time with you.”

“I’m on watch.”

“And so?”

“And I’m doing some training.”

“And I’m sleeping while you do it.” Nami was now scowling at him. Not that she was really gonna be bratty about the fact that he had chosen his weights over her. She’s not gonna hold it over his head. She knows how important training is for him of course.

But still…

Is it bad that she wants to spend some quiet time with him? They rarely experience it as of late with all the hullabaloos and going ons. So even if that means occasionally crowding his only space on the ship while he trains, even if he tries to dissuade her most of the times since it was distracting him (he admitted it one time) and even if he usually end up ignoring her for the sake of finishing whatever set of exercise or training he is working on… Nami is ok with it.

She just wants to be there. With him. In the same space.

And it’s not like she’s actively trying to disturb his concentration or anything. Most of the times she just reads, chart courses or like what she is doing right now, sleep when he is busy. Plus she only joins him when he’s on watch late at night since it was the quietest time on the Sunny. And it was also the only time she is not actively navigating their ship.  

Zoro scratched his head lightly as she continued to scowl at him looking every tad bit exasperated. “Told you it’s gonna get cold here.” He grunted and Nami glowered at him some more, lips forming in an irritated pout as she tried to fit herself in the shawl that he had draped over her earlier; even though it failed its supposed task, as it was shorter than the navigator with that long legs of hers (that Zoro was having a lot of indecent thoughts about even as he lifted his weights and trained earlier). Plus the fabric was too thin to serve as a makeshift blanket.

“Yeah, I know,” Nami said sullenly. “You said that earlier.”

“I did.”

Why was she so pig-headed? Yes, her sentiment was appreciated of course. Zoro absolutely liked it that she wants to spend some time with him. He also wanted that. But still… she didn’t need to put up with any uncomfortable position or place just so she could be in the same area as him. Like sleeping on the nest’s floor and exposing herself to this cold he already warned her about earlier that she just shrugged off while boasting about the shawl she brought with her (which was proven to be absolutely useless).

“I figured if that was the case, you’d help warm me up with that stupid, muscled body of yours.” Nami continued on in deadpan manner.

“I…” And Zoro short-circuited at that. He desperately tried to hide how that statement affected him. Very much. He felt his face flushed, the back of his neck heating up like she just ran her fingers up and down that area like she usually does when she’s teasing him.

“I… Oi, I’m not a… blanket,” It was the only thing he can come up with and he fought the urge to almost stutter.

Nami rolled her eyes at him as he tried to furtively salvage himself from getting ruined just by what she was saying. 

“You should be lying here beside me wrapping yourself around me to warm me up,” the cheeky orange-haired woman prattled on. “But instead, I’m stuck with this thin shawl and I’m too sleepy to argue with you. So I’m just going to back to sleep.”

With that, she turned to her other side, her smooth back now facing him. Zoro stared at her, still dumbfounded with what she said. Nami burrowed her head deeper to the pillow, pulling at her shawl, kicking it slightly with her feet and trying to find the perfect way to cover her whole body with it.

When she was finally satisfied, she exhaled contentedly.

Of course she wasn’t mad at her stupid swordsman. Not really…

Zoro knows how demanding she can be. And he also knows what kind of insanity he willingly gotten himself into. Still he dove straight into it, no second thoughts just pure unbreakable conviction.

As she was drifting off back to sleep, Nami hazily heard him stood up and began moving around the nest.

Probably to continue training… she drowsily thought. She refrained from thinking more as she was now desperately trying to grasp the edges of sleep to even be curious on what Zoro is doing.

Then warmth shrouded her whole body. Something cozy and pleasant enveloped her senses as it fell softly on top of her. She instantly hummed in approval, would even have moaned if she had enough strength to do so. Because the warmth was just delicious. Like she was being cocooned, embraced, wrapped.

The cold sensation pinpricking her skin was completely obliterated.

She felt covered, protected and… safe.

Nami gingerly lifted her hand, letting her fingers feel whatever it was that was now resting on top of her. Smooth and soft. Her body seemed to unfurl itself underneath it, legs extending back to a more normal and comfortable position as she didn’t need to fear her feet being exposed to the cold air again.

She mumbled incoherently in contentment. A jumble of letters that makes no sense at all except convey the pleasure she was feeling. 

“It’s going to be much colder later.” Zoro suddenly said, voice low, as he tucked her peeking hand back into the comfort of the fuzzy fleece blanket he had covered her. He had pulled it out from one of the cabinet’s Franky had installed under bench. He kept some of them hidden there, especially since Nami has developed a penchant for sleepovers in the nest lately (yet would complain endlessly if she slept directly on the floor without any mattress of sorts).

Nami turned her head slightly to look at him albeit through half lidded eyes. His lone grey one met hers and she gave him a soft, sleepy appreciative smile that made his insides flutter.

“Thanks swordsman,” she whispered, dragging her hand up again so she can tap his cheek with a finger.

“It will probably… rain,” she murmured as her eyes drifted close, head tilting drooping down a little as sleep pulled at her again.

“If you say so…” Zoro mumbled in agreement. If Nami says that it will, then it will. He cast a quick glance on the sky outside. It was still a few hours before dawn yet the sky was still so dark, there was no moon hovering on it, only thick dark gray clouds that seemed to look foreboding enough.

Nami took a deep breath and she started to relax. Tucked tightly and comfortably under the blanket, she was looking forward to the imminent rain knowing full well that she would get a damn good sleep cuddled in warmth while the world outside is cold.

And when Zoro slipped under the covers to join her to finally indulge her whims, his arms wrapping around her protectively, pulling her closer to him and his own warmth… Nami almost purred in pure delight and satisfaction.

He planted a kiss on her temple as she nuzzled her body closer to him with a contented hum, their fingers and feet tangling with each other’s.

Chaotic.

It’s always been like this in every tavern their crew ever visited… especially if some of their members inadvertently end up in the same place at the same time after wandering around the island to wind down and grab some food or drink.

Nami was used to it… well, kind of. Right now, she can only thank her lucky stars that even if their crew’s major troublemakers (namely Luffy and Zoro) are under one roof with quite a large number of rowdy folks—who from their looks could also be pirates—trouble wasn’t anywhere near brewing.

Both Luffy and Zoro are preoccupied with eating and drinking. The former was stuffing his mouth voraciously; occasionally spewing out a muffled interjection or two, along with bits and pieces of food, as Usopp told them the harrowing story of their adventure in the forest that afternoon. The latter was silent. Listening and enjoying his liquor, smirking every now and then at some parts of Usopp’s tales he deemed entertaining.

Nami was laughing at something the sniper was griping about when it happened suddenly and so unexpectedly.

One minute everyone was shouting and laughing boisterously over the meal and drinks and Usopp’s story. The next, some woman was leaning down the space between her and the drinking swordsman.

“Hello.”

Their table immediately went silent at the intrusion. Even Luffy’s obnoxious chewing halted as he blinked blankly at the newcomer. Not even their blond cook managed to breathe out a word of compliment for the lady from surprise.

Nami raised an eyebrow as she stared at the back of the woman’s head. What in the world is happening?

“Hi!” The woman greeted again. Probably all smiles and flirty eyes based from the tone Nami was hearing. “I noticed you.” She said without missing a beat, not caring if she had the whole table’s attention.

The other Straw Hats exchanged glances and waited for the green-haired man to respond. Nami shifted slightly from her seat to try and see Zoro’s expression and to watch what he will do afterwards.

There was no surprise when Zoro barely spared a glance at the woman and just grunted, going back to his drinking as if no one was talking to him. 

Sanji was about to cut the conversation off knowing full well how brusque the moss-head can be when it comes to the ladies. He started to stand up. “Mademoi…” he began. 

​But the woman was unfazed and didn’t bother glancing at Sanji’s direction. Instead, her eyes just swept across the expanse of the table briefly, before settling at Nami.

A smirk spread across her lips then she turned her attention back to the still drinking swordsman who was now looking at her… amusedly. 

Much to Nami’s annoyance. 

“You know,” the woman’s voice dropped in a low whisper as she boldly rested a hand on Zoro’s arm. “We can do without the distractions. I know some place private.”

A squeak came from Usopp’s direction, followed by a muffled sound of suppressed snickering which turned into a sound of pain when Sanji elbowed him roughly on the ribs.

Luffy glanced back and forth at Zoro and the woman before meeting Nami’s eyes. Of course their idiot captain wouldn’t know what’s happening. He’d most likely open his mouth to say something dumb like…

“Oi Zoro, she probably needs help.” Luffy said in a matter-of-fact tone. “Go with her.”

There was it.

Nami took a deep breath and pressed a finger to her temple to stave off an incoming temper explosion. Usopp finally broke into laughter at that, unable to control himself as Sanji stared at their captain with wide eyes that clearly says:

What a fucking dumbass. Really! 

Zoro just chuckled at Luffy’s obvious incomprehension of what’s currently happening. His face then broke into a wide grin. 

“Think so captain?”

The rubber man nodded before chomping on the meat he was holding in his hand. “Uh-huh!”

That made Zoro laugh. Loud and belly deep. A throwing his head back kind of laughter that made Nami scowl.  

“Luffy!” Her tone was chastising as she called out her captain. Why was he ordering their swordsman to go with this woman who clearly had a devious intention than what he was gullibly thinking?! 

“Well then,” Zoro drawled, his voice dropping low enough that it was almost like a growl—a sound that never fails to stir something inside Nami whenever she hears it. She wasn’t happy that it was being directed to a stranger right now. She can feel her irritation skyrocketing by the second.  

The swordsman looked directly at the woman between them. Nami caught the slight quirk of his lips, a clear indication that he was really entertained with what’s happening.

“Not interested.” He said nonchalantly.

He then paused. And in an afterthought, he added.

“I’m already with someone.”

Another hush fell on their table… followed by jaws dropping, eyes widening, then the clattering of utensils falling on the floor.

“Eeeeh?!” The gasp came from both Usopp and Sanji. Nami was staring at the green-haired man with mouth agape. And Luffy…

Luffy was not bothered at all. His gaze was just flicking over each of them curiously, chewing on a big chunk of meat he stuffed in his mouth.

“What the HELL do you mean by that you third rate swordsman?!” The blond chef suddenly exploded, drowning Nami’s voice as she asked the very same question, in the very same tone, sans the insult part.

Zoro just shrugged at them and didn’t bother explaining. He chugged the last of his drink, stood up and placed some belis on the table (Nami seethed afterwards when she realized that it wasn’t enough to cover his share, that stupid man!) before exiting the tavern without another word and leaving them all bewildered, including the woman who had brazenly approached him.

------------------------

Nami was fuming.

She was fucking mad as hell. She was absolutely raging.

What did that idiot mean when he said ‘he is already with someone’?!

She stopped walking the moment she reached the port where the Thousand Sunny was docked. The urge to pull at her hair from frustration was so strong that she needed to take a deep breath and another and another to calm herself down.

What the actual fuck did he mean by that?

The wind suddenly picked up, blowing strands of her hair across her face. Nami angrily pushed them away as she stared at the now dark stretch of the ocean before her.

A feeling of dread was settling down at the pit of her stomach. Cold sweat trickled down her back as her head wrapped around the inevitable truth.

It felt like a splash of cold water on her face.

Zoro was in a relationship with someone.

The ocean breeze blew some more, bringing in the salty scent of the sea. Her hands fisted on her sides, fingernails digging into her palms.

Why in the world did she not know of that? She was supposed to know about that right?

Right?

As tight-lipped as he is, this is still something that he should’ve told her.

Because no matter where or how she looks at it…

She was unwittingly sleeping with someone who was already in a relationship.

------------------------

Nami made her way up the galley slowly, each step leaden, like she was actually carrying a heavy weight on her shoulders.

Well she was carrying something heavy alright, something called anger and guilt.

Was Zoro really that jerk enough to put her in this position? Was he asshole enough to do this to someone he was in a commitment with? Wasn’t he all pride and honor and loyalty? Yet here he was doing the very damn opposite of the traits he held in high regard.

Oh he is making her furious!

Right now she seriously wanted to wring his neck, choke him to death then surrender him to the marines to cash out his billion worth bounty. Then she’s gonna spend every last freaking beli from his name for herself!

But not even the thought of money was enough to make her feel better.

Nami knows he didn’t say it just because he wanted to throw the woman off earlier. That wasn’t his style. He was tactless and crude; yet he knows what he wants and what he doesn’t want, easily answering a yes or a no. Nothing more, nothing less.

Well apparently today he decides to say more, share more.

Dumbass.

Zoro doesn’t lie about these things. So Nami knew from the bottom of her money-loving heart that what he said earlier was the truth.

Only, she didn’t know about it.

So who could it possibly be? Who was lucky enough to actually make their uncompromising swordsman commit?

Is it someone from East Blue? A girl he left in his hometown with a promise of coming back to her once he fulfilled his dream of becoming the world’s greatest swordsman?

Or was it someone he met during their two-year separation? Perona, the ghost girl? After all, he spent more time with her than with her—correction, them.

Or maybe he met someone during those two years that he realized he actually wanted to be with.

Or it could also be Momo’s beautiful sister, Hiyori? She was the sole reason why the powerful sword Enma ended up in his possession. Plus they did spent a lot of time with each other while their crew was in Wano. They were together before the raid in Onigashima. Zoro was her protector all throughout their stay there. And the beautiful oiran didn’t even bother hiding how attracted she was to the green-haired man.

Nami was not actually privy to what happened between them there. But she heard bits and pieces from Brook but never actually asked Zoro upfront about it.

Like he would tell her.

The orange-haired woman huffed loudly when she realized in all her musings, she was already standing in front of the galley’s door.

She and Zoro need to talk.

Because if that was the case then their stupid trysts has to end. She refused to be the other woman! Damn it!

It wouldn’t really bother her if they were just in a friends with benefits situation or whatever they have been doing was called. It was fun after all. She enjoyed his company both in and out of the bed and Nami knows that Zoro did too.

Surely it wouldn’t continue happening if that wasn’t the case right? They are very much at odds with each other most of the times that she considers it a miracle that they were able to finally discover a neutral ground.

And honestly, it kind of brought them closer… definitely much closer than before as most of the times they’d share drinks and plans, goals and complaints, secrets and…

… bed.

The only thing Zoro did not share with her, was the fact that he actually was involve with someone else!

Jerk.

Nami rubbed her temples, wincing at her stupidity that brought her to where she was now.

So yeah, they have to talk about this. And if Zoro doesn’t want to… he can say goodbye to his beloved ambition because she will choke the life out of him.

She seethed as she gripped the handle of the galley’s door tightly, her knuckles turning white.

Whether she would admit it or not, it really gnaws at her that he is actually capable of being in a relationship with someone…

…someone who is not her!

She almost banged the door with her fist. She can feel her face heating up and her eyes welling up from a mixture of anger and frustration. But of course she refused to cry. She wouldn’t. She still has her pride after all.

To think she was alright with whatever they currently have right now, whatever he was willing to share with her. Because she understood… that is all he can give. All that he’ll allow himself to give.

And because of that they’ll never have a chance to actually be together.

She’s not going to try and shoot at the moon.

But now she knows that he just doesn’t want that with her.

Nami pushed the galley’s door open so hard it banged against the Sunny’s wall and almost came off its hinges. Then she stiffened.

The object of her current ire and woe was sitting inside the galley about to eat the remaining onigiris Sanji-kun grudgingly prepared earlier for dinner.

Zoro was staring at her with one eyebrow cocked curiously, silently asking what her problem is and why she was breaking down their ship’s door.

Nami met his stare head-on, hackles rising. Every ounce of anger, guilt, frustration and disappoint all rolling in together to form one tight ball of fury about to explode.

This forthcoming confrontation is going to get really ugly. And messy. And they would probably never speak to each other ever again after it.

She was contemplating on being the bigger person and walking away to calm herself first so they can have a decent conversation like two mature adults.

Or if she was just gonna bring everything crashing down on him.

Then Nami squared her shoulders, took a deep breath, pulling out an air of confidence from deep within her as she strode inside, purposely ignoring Zoro who was still looking at her curiously.

She didn’t bother glancing at his direction. She can feel him watching her like a hawk as she headed towards the ladder leading to the upper deck.

The tension was palpable; the silence between them was insufferable. But she knows Zoro was just… waiting…

And just like that Nami snapped.

“You didn’t tell me you are actually with someone?”

She swivelled back towards him, her long hair whipping around her as the words flew out of her mouth, stomping towards Zoro who merely tilted his head at her questioningly.

“Out of all the things that you’ve told me, that should’ve been the first one!” She slammed a hand on the table ignoring the jolt of pain that ran up her arm. “What is wrong with you?!”

She definitely got his attention at her outburst. And probably his scathing temper as well from the way a frown creased his forehead.

Zoro stared at her. Stared at her really hard, his gaze piercing, pinning her on the spot. Nami almost forgot how intimidating he can be when he serious.

He scrutinized her silently, studying her like she was an enemy he needed to obliterate in an instant.

But Nami stood her ground, meeting his stare head-on. Oh he is not in the place to be annoyed with her right now. It was she who is angry at him!

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Nami exploded when he remained silent. “You as—”

“Aren’t we… together?”

Huh?

Nami stuttered to a stop, her tirade immediately dying on her lips. She gawked at him, mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.

Together?

THEM?

“E-eh?” Was the only sound that managed to came out of her as her brain short-circuited, her tongue failing her at the same time.

What… 

But…

“What… do you mean?” She asked in feeble tone, a complete three hundred sixty degree turn from the one she was using earlier. Still in shock, her eyes were rapidly blinking as she gazed at him.

There was a fucking ringing sound in her ears and it was as if everything around her was being sucked inside a vortex.

She collapsed down the chair across from him; the fight, the anger, the frustration, all leaving her body instantly.

Together?

They were together?

Was that what Zoro meant when he said he was with someone?

Someone was her?

Her? Not some other women…

It was as if the whole world was spinning and spinning and spinning.

Nami racked her brains for anything in the recent days, weeks, months that might have tipped him off to the fact that they were together.

Because she sure hell was not aware!

Was it because they were sleeping so much together? It had actually become a normal part of their day, of their lives.

But that was just it.

Sure they seemed to be doing a lot of things and errands together lately. He was her constant companion whenever she heads to the town to do supplies and stock shopping or even just plain shopping. Heck, they’d been on more excursions together than she and Robin had these last past weeks.

Last past months. Her brain corrected her.

He was also with her whenever she wants to do an ocular review of the island before drawing it on the map, grudgingly carrying her tools on an overflowing backpack as they hiked up the mountains to see the bird’s eye view of the land and explore the forest trails and coastlines so she can have a more detailed information of the island’s layout.

Afterwards, they usually end the day relaxing on the crow’s nest, waiting for the sun to set while drinking or sometimes they’d settle inside the library, with Nami hunching down at her mapping desk, eager to start her charts while Zoro caught on his forty winks on the bench nearby.

Sometimes they’d end the day at taverns, drinking the night away (while she mooched and nicked belis from unsuspecting gullible men so they could use it to buy some more drinks much to Zoro’s amusement).

Then they’d close the night or dawn after drinking enjoying each other on the bed.

Consistently.

She felt realization sink in at that moment.

From the way they were behaving with each other and the way that their so-called tryst had been going on for some time now… it definitely gives the impression that they are kind of ‘together’.

Because holy hell she just realized that they were just… unofficial. Because they never talked about it. They never properly labelled it.

Why didn’t it occur to her? She was the smart one. She’d been reading everything wrongly. She was assuming everything incorrectly.

She was drawing in shaky breaths that Zoro was now looking at her with a concerned frown.

“Nami you’re looking pale.” He observed as she just blankly stared at him.

Oh gosh. Did her brain just flat lined?

“Oi Nami breathe!”

“I’m good, I’m good!” Nami assured him. She just needs a minute to compose herself. Or two. Or five. Or half an hour to an hour because what he said had just thrown her completely off balance.

“It was just like my life is flashing before my eyes,” she murmured offhandedly.

“Huh?”

She waved her hand slightly to tell him to forget what she said.

“So when you said earlier that you’re with someone…” she began.

Zoro had an unreadable expression on his face; his attention was focused on her.

“Yeah,” he finally answered. “Are we not?”

Are they not?

Nami stared at him. More seriously this time.

If she were to be honest…

She had thought a lot about it… about them… during the quiet hours before the early light of dawn starts to brighten the sky. As Zoro drifted off to sleep beside her, sated and spent and she veered into the threshold of wakefulness and sleep, her mind saving the image of the sleeping swordsman looking peaceful and content. Like sleeping beside her is the most normal thing in the world to do.

She imagined it a lot of times… that instead of a nameless tryst, what if they were really together?

To think, Zoro had already supposed that they are together while she was still wondering if there is a possibility that it would happen in this life or even the next.

She had forgotten how simple he was. How some things are just black and white for him. He is dense when it comes to matters like this.

And yet she was, as it turns out, denser.

Unlike her who was teetering into the unknown if they can or cannot be… Zoro just went right into thinking that they can and that they are… charging full straight ahead without any second thoughts just like how he always does in battles.

Because he knows what he wanted.

And he wanted her.

Nami pinched the bridge of her nose, exhaling a big sigh of relief. Every bit of tension she was feeling earlier dissipating in that single breath.

She wouldn’t have it any other way though.

Nami stood up and approached towards him, her heels clicking against the galley’s floorboards. Zoro eyed her warily.

She plopped down his lap, earning a grunt from him as her weight pressed down on Zoro’s unprepared thighs. He shot her an irritated look that Nami only answered with a cheeky grin.

Like hell she’d let him think otherwise. Not when she realized she can definitely shoot the moon and hit it.

But first…

“Zoro what made you think that? Aren’t we just sleeping together for fun?” She teasingly said as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“So we are not?” The green-haired man asked; his tone gruff and a bit angry. Nami can definitely hear the disappointment in it.

“You still haven’t asked me!”

They looked at each other, gazes challenging each other.

“Didn’t think I need too.” Zoro said lowly. “You also think that.”

“What?!”

She frowned when a smirk appeared on his lips. A rather cocky one.

Because Zoro knew he was spot on.

“I don’t know what you are talking about.”

He laughed. “Nami I’m not that oblivious.”

She watched him laugh again, fascinated. She loved hearing him laugh out of amusement because of something she did or said. And pulling it out of him is making her feel like a hundred butterflies are fluttering inside her stomach.

When he stopped, he tucked her hair behind her ear and said earnestly. “But if you say we aren’t, then we aren’t. I’m not gonna force you into something you don’t want to be part of.”

Nami tightened her hold around his neck. He’s dense and sometimes clueless and he probably thinks what they were doing equates to being together instead of just randomly hooking up repeatedly and consistently.

But Zoro is all or nothing. Either your friends or not. Enemies or not.

Together or not.

And he chose to believe that they are together instead of just casually fooling around.

That says a lot. Really.

Good heavens what an idiot.

But he is her idiot. Apparently.

“So?”

“Hmm?”

“So yes?” He asked in a gravelly tone. “To this.”

“To us?”

“To us.”

Nami smiled. A feeling of elation overtaking her. All worries and uncertainty gone with the wind.

“Yes.”

“Good.” He rubbed her back up and down, the gesture soothing as Nami leaned her forehead against his. Zoro’s  lips found hers in the lightest of kiss, sealing the deal.

“I can’t believe you made me think you are with another women,” Nami muttered, rolling her eyes at him.

Zoro snorted. “I don’t know why you jumped into that conclusion. Like I’d want another. You’re handful enough.”

Nami tightened her grip around his neck some more, practically choking him in her arms.

“Oi!”

It was her turn to laugh this time.

She’d still make him pay for all of that stress much, much later though.

“Well,” she slid out of his lap to stand up. “That settles it. I’ll leave you to your meal. Sanji-kun will have a fit if you waste it.”

Zoro nodded.

Nami headed towards the upper deck stairs again; this time feeling completely different. Her were steps light, almost bouncing. Her whole being and heart now untroubled and her smile never leaving her face.

She turned around again to look back at her now official boyfriend.

“What?” Zoro raised an eyebrow at her, noting the Cheshire cat-like smile on her face.

“Oh nothing,” she shrugged her shoulders. “Just thinking of all the things I want to do to you later.” She said softly, teasingly, letting the suggestive thought behind her words linger in the air.

Zoro was now looking at her like he was going to pounce.

“Do not make me pound you here on the dining table.” He threatened.

She laughed at that before letting a smirk grace her lips. “Not the dining table Zoro! Besides, I’m also thinking of all the things I will make you do for me from now on.”

She watched with glee as the expression on his face changed to what can only be called as trepidation when he realized that he deliberately and willingly placed himself in a position just right under her thumb.