SWEET TOXICITY
Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece.
Set in Wano, after Onigashima War.
BREWING DESIRES
Kid leaned against a makeshift wooden railing, his eyes fixed on the raucous celebration unfolding before him. The chaos of the post-war revelry in Wano was in full swing, yet amid the joyous chaos, Eustass Kid remained a solitary figure, observing the festivities with his characteristic air of indifference. As he took a swig from his tankard, he couldn't help but let his gaze linger on her – Nami, the spirited navigator of the Straw Hat Pirates. The vibrant lantern light cast playful shadows on her figure, accentuating every sway of her hips and every graceful movement of her arms as she danced amidst the jubilant locals.
Kid's mind drifted back to the moments of the battle on Onigashima, when Nami had been a fierce tempest amidst the storm of battle. Her determination to protect that litlle girl, O-tama, her unwavering resolve and of course, her body, had caught his attention. Tthe way her fiery spirit contrasted with her beauty, creating a captivating enigma, was something that he couldn't ignore. He recalled the way her hair had danced in the wind, the determination in her eyes as lightning crackled around her staff. He had seen a glimpse of something more beneath the surface, something that made him curious about the woman behind the bravado.
With a sardonic grin, Kid took another swig of his drink, his eyes never leaving Nami. He knew well the reputation he held – a ruthless pirate with a penchant for chaos and destruction. He was no stranger to the rumors that followed him, the stories of his metal manipulation and his unrelenting ambition. Yet, here he was, contemplating a different kind of conquest – not one of power or territory, but a challenge of a different sort. As he watched Nami interact with the Wano residents, he couldn't deny the tug of attraction he felt. And so, a daring idea took root in his mind – a drinking contest, a wager that might just reveal the depths of her character beneath that bright exterior.
It wasn't a random idea that had struck Kid like a lightning bolt. The night before, during a particularly raucous segment of the ongoing celebration, Kid had observed Nami in a different light. She had been surrounded by her boisterous crewmates, each raising cups of sake in joyous camaraderie. Yet, what had truly caught his attention was Nami's capacity for drink – an impressive feat that set her apart from the rest. Her laughter had rung through the night air, her eyes sparkling with mirth as she matched each toast with a spirited gulp. Kid had seen her down absurd amounts of sake with apparent ease, and the memory had lingered in his mind.
The image of Nami, head thrown back in laughter, fueled his determination to create a challenge that would both intrigue and provoke her. As he watched her now, still engaging in the festivities with undeniable exuberance, Kid felt a thrill of excitement. He was aware that his reputation preceded him, that his brash and unapologetic demeanor might not be what Nami had in mind for a suitor. Yet, he was equally confident in his ability to surprise her, to show her facets of himself that extended beyond the stories and rumors.
As the night's festivities continued, Kid's resolve only grew stronger. He knew it was time to make his move, to approach Nami in a manner that suited his reputation – bold and unapologetic. With a confident stride, he left the shadows of his vantage point and made his way through the throng of revelers, his magnetic presence parting the crowd like a ship cutting through the waves.
Drawing nearer to Nami, Kid's sardonic grin never wavered. He didn't hesitate; there was no room for uncertainty in his world. He reached her just as the music swelled, its rhythm carrying their dance of fate. His gaze locked onto hers, the intensity of his stare almost daring her to look away.
"Oi, Cat Burglar," he called out over the music, his voice cutting through the noise with ease. "I've been watchin' you – watchin' how you handle your drinks and your crew. Impressive, I'll admit."
Nami's eyes met his with surprise and wariness, but she didn't shy away from his gaze. Kid marveled at the big contrast in their sizes, a juxtaposition that added a new layer of allure to their interaction.
He leaned in a fraction closer, his tone dropping to a low pitch. "I've got a proposition for you – a little game, if you will. A drinking contest. You and me."
"A drinking contest?" she echoed, her tone laced with incredulity. "You want me to engage in a drinking contest with you, of all people?"
Kid's sardonic grin widened, undeterred by her incredulous response. "You heard right. A little test of endurance, a challenge to see who can hold their liquor better. After all, you're quite the drinker, aren't you? Saw you keeping pace with your crew last night."
Nami's lips curved into a wry smile, her amusement evident. Kid's audacity was something she hadn't encountered before, and despite herself, she found his proposal oddly intriguing. She uncrossed her arms and took a step closer to him, her eyes narrowing playfully.
"Kid, you're either incredibly confident or utterly mad to suggest a drinking contest with me," she retorted, her tone holding a touch of arrogance. "Let's get one thing straight – it's my crew who has to keep up with my pace, not the other way around. And believe me, that's not an easy task."
Kid chuckled, a low rumble that matched the playful spark in Nami's eyes. "Impressive crew you've got there, then. But this contest, it's not about them. It's about you and me."
"And what's the catch, huh?" Nami's tone oozed skepticism. "Why should I even consider this preposterous idea?"
Kid's grin retained its firmness as he leaned in a tad closer, his voice adopting a provocative tone. "Quite simple. If I win, you'll owe me a date. And if you win, I'll be in your debt. Fair trade, don't you think?"
Nami's playful smirk morphed into a more thoughtful expression. The idea of a date with Eustass Kid was unexpected, to say the least. She was used to admirers, but his boldness was a different breed altogether. And the notion of having a favor owed by a pirate like him was intriguing, if not slightly unnerving. Her bright eyes narrowed as she assessed the man before her. The audacity of his approach was unlike anything she had ever encountered, and while his reputation was far from that of a gentleman, there was something captivating about the way he openly pursued his desires.
"You think a drinking contest is the way to win me over?" she retorted, a little offended.
Kid's smirk widened as he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a low, velvety tone. "Oh, come on, Nami. I've seen you holding your own with that sake. You've got a reputation as a heavy drinker to uphold, right? This could be your chance to prove that you're not just a master navigator, but a master drinker as well."
Nami's eyes flickered with a blend of irritation and reluctant amusement, clearly unimpressed by his flirtatious overtones. She was determined not to let him get under her skin so effortlessly. "You really think you can win this, don't you? Well, I hate to break it to you, Kid, but I'm not one to back down from a challenge."
Kid's chuckle was low and throaty, "I wouldn't want you to back down, Nami. Where's the fun in that? Besides, I'm just giving you the opportunity to witness firsthand what happens when I put my mind to something."
"So, this is all just a show for you? A chance to impress me with your drinking skills?"
Kid's eyes held a spark of amusement as he leaned in even closer, his lips dangerously close to her ear. His voice, a velvety whisper, sent a tantalizing shiver down her spine. "Impress you? Certainly. But there's more to it, Nami. I want to see the sparks fly when your competitive spirit meets mine. And who knows, maybe by the end of it all, we'll discover we have more in common than we thought."
Nami's heart raced a little faster at the daring intimacy of his words. She was used to being in control, to keeping her emotions in check, but Kid had a way of unsettling her, of making her question her own resolve.
She leaned back slightly, not willing to let him get the upper hand completely. "You're treading on thin ice, Kid. Flattery won't get you far with me."
Kid's eyes glinted with an underlying intensity, a challenge in his gaze that mirrored the defiance in hers. He held his ground, maintaining their proximity and adding to the charged atmosphere that enveloped them.
"Flattery is just a sliver of my arsenal, Nami," he murmured, his voice a low, smoky timbre that brushed against her senses. "But make no mistake – I'm not just trying to impress you. I'm offering you a chance to experience something exhilarating, something that will leave a mark long after this damn celebration is over."
Nami's raised eyebrow spoke volumes as she reevaluated him with a fresh curiosity; his words had a knack for breaching her defenses, stoking the fire of her unyielding thirst for challenges. "You're quite the charmer, aren't you? Fine, Kid. You'll have your contest. But don't expect me to hold back. Your words won't sway me."
Kid's grin deepened, "Wouldn't want it any other way, Nami. Challenges are my bread and butter, and trust me, this contest will match the wild spirit I carry on the open sea."
Nami's smile took on a cunning edge as she leaned in, "Oh, I'm well aware of your determination. But here's a tidbit – I'm not just any heavy drinker. I'm a heavy drinker who's accustomed to having things go her way."
Kid's laughter erupted in a deep rumble, the sound melding with the festive music and mirthful chatter that surrounded them. "Well, Nami, it sounds like we're a match made in chaos, then. A heavy drinker who doesn't back down and a pirate who refuses to yield."
Nami's smirk took on an air of playful defiance as she locked eyes with him. "Sounds like a recipe for disaster, if you ask me."
His eyes flashed with mischief as he leaned in even closer, the exchange of playful words igniting a potent charge that seemed to crackle between them. "Or maybe," he purred, his voice a low, seductive tone that sent another shiver down her spine, "a recipe for something truly extraordinary."
As Kid's proximity intensified, his presence practically enveloping her, Nami felt her breath hitch and her cheeks flush with an undeniable heat. The air seemed to thicken, their flirtatious banter now laced with a tension that pulsed in the spaces between their words.
"You certainly have a unique way of looking at things. So, what's the plan? Are we going to settle this contest right here and now?"
"As much as I'd love to dive into this contest right here, right now," he replied, his words carrying a not-so-subtle undertone that conveyed his desire, "I think we need a proper stage for this showdown, don't you think? Tomorrow night, away from the chaos of the celebration, a quiet corner of the Flower Capital. Just you, me, and the drinks."
Nami's lips curved into a sly smile, her eyes glinting with mischief as a thought crossed her mind. "You know, Kid, as much as I appreciate the idea of a quiet corner, I have a better suggestion. How about we take this contest to your ship? After all, if things get a bit rowdy, we won't have to worry about you disturbing the locals."
Kid's laughter rang out, rich and deep, resonating with the playfulness embedded in her words. He leaned in, his voice hushed. "Quite the strategist, aren't you? You're probably banking on me collapsing from all the drinking, giving you the perfect opportunity to help yourself to my treasures."
Nami's smile widened, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Who knows, by the time you wake up, I might just be sailing away with all your riches."
Kid's grin mirrored hers, amusement and admiration intertwining in his gaze. "If you're planning to lay claim to my treasures, you'll need to show me just how much you're willing to work for it."
Nami's playful expression remained, even tough her cheeks burned as she absorbed the implications of his words. Kid's charismatic charm and his knack for straddling the line between provocation and allure had her senses reeling.
"Trust me, Kid," Nami replied, her voice seducing him with such delicacy. "If I decide to claim your treasures, you'll witness just how unrestrained I can be."
Kid's playful grin persisted, but a spark of genuine surprise danced across his features as he registered the her naughty undertone. Her response, with its underlying current of determination and suggestion, made the pirate renowned for his audacity briefly feel a tremor crawl down his spine.
His eyes held hers, a spark of intrigue mingling with his horniness. "Is that a promise, Cat Burglar?"
Nami's lips curled into a wolfish smirk, "Let's just say, Kid, that I have my own way of winning contests."
The air between them seemed to buzz with a charged energy, a palpable tension that had shifted in an unexpected direction. Kid's bravado, which had been so unshakable, wavered slightly as he felt the heat of her gaze on him. The playful banter had taken on a new layer of meaning, leaving both of them aware that this contest was about more than just a drinking game. It was a dance of wits, a flirtation of desires, and a collision of two strong personalities.
Kid's grin regained its composure, but there was a new glint in his eyes. "Well, Nami, I'll be looking forward to seeing just how creative you can get."
As Kid turned to walk away, Nami's gaze instinctively followed him. She couldn't help but appreciate the sheer size of his form – an immense and commanding figure that stood out even amidst the vibrant chaos of the celebration. There was something magnetic about the way he moved, a confident swagger that exuded both charisma and power. Her apprehension mingled with a strange fascination, leaving her feeling caught between caution and intrigue.
Nami's initial surprise and skepticism had begun to evolve into a sense of unease. The proposal had started off as an audacious game, a way to catch her off guard and perhaps indulge in some harmless competition. Yet, as Kid's words settled in, the realization of the situation she had unwittingly stepped into began to dawn on her. She was dealing with Eustass Kid, a pirate known for his audacity and unpredictability. The notion of a simple drinking contest seemed to pale in comparison to the complexities that his presence brought to the table.
Kid's excitement surged as he walked away, a thrill coursing through his veins that matched the lively atmosphere of the celebration. His heart pounded with a fervor he hadn't felt in a long time. The challenge he had initiated with Nami had taken on a life of its own, igniting a fire within him that he couldn't ignore. The audacious proposal had been a means to an end – a way to engage with the enigmatic woman who had captured his attention in ways he couldn't quite explain.
As he moved through the revelers, Kid's thoughts were consumed by the woman he had just challenged. His attraction to her had grown from a spark to a blazing inferno in mere moments. Every aspect of her – the movement of her lips as she smirked at him, her citrusy smell, her porcelain skin, the sharp curve of her waist beneath the red obi, the confidence that radiated from her – was like a siren's call, drawing him in further. Her playful defiance had awoken a hunger within him, a desire to unravel the layers beneath her exterior and discover what lay beneath.
In the midst of the raucous celebration, Kid found himself grinning like a man possessed. He couldn't remember the last time he had been so excited, so eager for something.
A/N: Okay, I couldn't help myself... This has been on my mind for weeks now, and I had to write so I could continue with my Emerald City writing schedule. This will be a short fic, probably just two more chapters.
Yes, I feel like I'm betraying my ZoNa heart but, godamn, Kid and Nami make a HOT duo.
Hope you all enjoy it!
xoxo
