Reunion at Sabaody Archepelago
By Ladyluckrogue and Trynia Merin
Paring: Nami and Zoro
Warnings: death and childbirth, and references to human trafficking. Rated R for language and dark concepts.
Disclaimer: Eichiro Oda created One Piece, and it is owned by Shonen Jump, not me. This fanfiction means no harm to the anime or manga, and we make no money for the writing of this story.
Sunday, October 19, 2014 revision
Saboady. It felt strange to be back, almost like he'd never left the damn place, like the two years of hellacious training he'd gone through had never happened. He was anxious to meet up with the others, but according to Shakky and Rayleigh, not everyone had arrived. He'd been the first to get there, much to his surprise. He'd checked in a couple times since then and according to them, everyone was trickling in. When the news that Nami and Usopp had arrived, he'd been happy they'd gotten there, though conflicted. He wasn't sure what to feel at this point. Two years had done nothing to help him sort that out. Hence why he was at this hole in the wall, attempting to drink himself into a stupor and knowing it wouldn't happen. Even the old barkeep was giving him sympathetic glances at this point, impressive considering his usual clientele.
A figure in a white hat wandered in, and sat down at the bar. He wore bright yellow pants, and had a goatee and red satchel. He then ordered a rum and coke and started to drink it without looking at anyone.
"You want another?" The old man asked him, bottle at the ready. Zoro gave a nod, watching the liquid pour into the glass. The man gave him another look. "Want me to leave the bottle?" Zoro considered. After realizing he had the cash, he nodded. Other patrons filed in and out.
One of them had long orange gold hair and carried a metallic staff over her shoulder, while she wore a bikini top. Tight jeans were up to her hips held up by a belt with a holster in it. She wore sandals and caught the eye of many of the men before she went to order a drink at the bar quietly.
At the same time, several weird characters walked in, looking like sick parodies of the Strawhats.
"Girl troubles?" The old man asked sagely. Zoro glanced up, giving him a scowl and passing over a few wrinkled bills. "Just leave the bottle alright?" He griped. The old barkeep chuckled, taking the money and leaving him alone.
Nami frowned a bit and mumbled, "Rum, straight up on the rocks" to the bartender. "If you don't mind."
"Pretty little thing like you can handle that?" The bartender asked, though he was teasing more than anything, already making her drink
"I can drink most men under the table," she joked ruefully. She put down her money and smiled.
Since the time she had returned, she felt upset and happy. Thoughts swirled around in her head, and she wasn't sure what she would do when she next saw everyone. Silently she hoped she wouldn't run into Sanji, Luffy, and Zoro first off the bat.
"I believe ya." The old man said with a smile, placing the drink in front of her. "Man down on the other end might give ya a run for your money though. Never seen the like of it. Been through a bottle and a half and still going strong." He chuckled.
"Really?" she asked. "Get me a whole bottle and I'll show him a thing or two."
She quickly downed hers, while the guy in yellow finished off his rum and coke, and put down more money for another round.
The old barkeep leaned close. "He's in a mood, best not to bother him. Girl troubles I think." The man said with a knowing look.
"Well he's not the only one," said Nami quietly. "I've had my share of man troubles..."
She sighed and looked down at her drink and whispered, "Can you bring me the bottle please... I seriously need it." He noticed her putting down a good amount of cash.
The barkeep gave her a look and nodded. "Sure thing then..." He returned moments later with a bottle and set it down in front of her, taking only a bit of the cash. "Rest is on the house." He gave her a considering look. "You know what they say. Misery loves company. The young man's the one with the green coat. Might do him some good. Can't hurt him any right?" He chuckled moving away
"Thanks," she mumbled, not bothering to look up.
Instead she poured herself more to drink and slammed it down.
Sighing she lay her head and shoulders on the bar and traced her finger along the marble.
A hand rested near her. "Say gorgeous, wanna make some music with me?"
"Go away kid, you bother me," Nami muttered.
Another man a few minutes later was about to hit on her but Nami said, "Fuck off."
The next man to come over and hit on her got Nami's fist in his face.
"I said FUCK OFF!" Nami snapped.
At that point, someone raised a slingshot to the guy's head. She found herself ringed by a few of the man's buddies who were trying to move in on her. Boy was she not in the mood for this. One of them grabbed her as she kicked and a second and third dragged her back Nami spat and kicked while the man in yellow moved to fire something at one of the men, dropping him.
"LET ME GO!" Nami shouted but at least four men who slammed her down on a table were holding her.
The man in yellow rushed towards her, trying to fight off the gathering crowd. Her hair was over her face as she felt hands groping at her, and heard the sound of the man in yellow trying to fight to help her.
"LET HER GO YOU BASTARDS!" he shouted.
Zoro meanwhile was down on the other end, the same thoughts as two years ago filtering through his head. The mention of her name shouldn't have hurt as much as it did. He should be thrilled she was fine, and he was, but at the same time, it hurt. After Thriller Bark, Nami'd helped him recover, spending nearly every waking moment of her time with him, the bond they'd shared since after Skypiea strengthened. And then, a month or so before they hit Saboady, she'd told him it was over, they were done. They'd made a mistake. Zoro clenched his hand around the shot glass angrily, slamming the contents down. A voice interrupted his musings, the barkeep. "You're a swordsman aren't you? Gonna help that girl?" Zoro glanced at the man. "What business is it of mine?" The barkeep shrugged. Zoro was content to keep drinking when he heard the conflict growing more heated, his conscience getting the better of him.
"You let her go now!" shouted a man with long black curly hair, a beard, wearing yellow coveralls. He slammed down his drink and yanked out a black slingshot from a red satchel around his shoulder. Zoro only saw the movement of yellow and white. Someone else was stepping up to break things up, so why should he.
"butt out, this doesn't concern you buddy," one of the men yelled back.
"You let her go or I'll shoot!" snapped the man. "I'm not screwing around!"
"Get bent!" one of the other men yelled. Zoro could hear someone struggling and the scuffle of feet.
"Don't get involved mister. They mean business…" whispered someone not far away, who'd been drinking at the end fo the bar.
"Fucking hell..." He muttered, slamming his glass down and getting to his feet.
"Pop green Venus flytrap!" shouted a high pitched voice.
A shot landed and Nami saw one of the men swallowed by a Venus flytrap. Then a young man in yellow threw himself over her to protect her as he was punched and kicked down. She realized that from the long nose on him it was Usopp. Relief and hope filled her that the Straw Hats were there and ready to take her back as one of their own. However, she felt a stab of sadness. How long had Usopp been sitting there and she had walked right past him not even knowing! Nami then grabbed a bottle and smashed it over one of the men's head while Usopp yanked her up and pulled her behind him, firing his slingshot again. He backed her up towards the door hoping they could make a run for it.
"You asked for it you long nosed jerk," shouted one of the men, yanking Nami away from Usopp. Nami felt her head snap back and a half dozen hands tear her away, throwing aside her clima tact.
"I'll show her who's boss," snickered the leader. "Put her down on the table!"
"No, damn you no!" screamed the navigator as she was slammed down and held in place. Hands grabbed at her bikini top and tore at her jeans. Before the men could pull off her clothes she heard a piercing yell.
"GET AWAY FROM HER NOW you BASTARDS!" she heard the sniper yell, and then someone threw themselves overtop of her. Usopp's arms wrapped around her tightly in a hug.
"You idiot what are you doing?" Nami stammered.
"Nami I won't let them hurt you. I'm not running away this time," he gasped as he tried to shove the men off her and was pummeled in the bar fight. At least he could protect Nami from them as he covered her.
Zoro pushed his way through the growing crowd, people stepping back as he moved through him, intimidated by him. He moved forward toward the group of men crowding the table. He grabbed the first one he saw. "Leave her alone, get out of here, and take your lackies with you." He said deadly calm.
Usopp was slammed against Nami, still covering her as she shook from head to toe. She buried her face in his shoulder, shaking. Her clothes were ripped and her hair was a mess, as was his clothing. Both were covered in nasty cuts and bruises.
"What's it to you pal?" The man asked. "You're interrupting my drinking and it pisses me off." Zoro said. "The woman doesn't want you, you accept that. Got it?" His hand was on the hilt of his swords and the man gulped nodding. "Call them off." Zoro told him. The man complied, letting out a loud whistle.
Thanks to that tall fierce man with the green coat somewhere in back, the men had moved away. Not able to see their rescuer clearly, the sniper pushed himself up off Nami. Nami sobbed as Usopp held her tightly. He slowly picked her up and grabbed her clima tact and his weapon. Thank Neptune someone else stepped in, usopp thought. Although rage filled him that it hadn't happened sooner. What the hell was wrong with people?
"It's ok, we'll get out of here..." he said softly. Nami sobbed and clung to him weeping. Thank god someone was here to save her. She should have been stronger but she was caught off guard. He could see movement in the crowd and decided now was the time.
"They might come back for us," Nami whispered.
"Hold on…" muttered the then did what he did best. He kicked open the door, and then ran out with Nami in his arms. One of her sandals lay on the floor. He had managed to get her clima tact, her, and his slingshot but not the shoe.
He'd caught a glimpse of the girl, shaken and crying, a guy comforting her. The guy he'd only see from the side, partially hidden by the woman. A woman with long orange hair. Convinced fate was laughing at him, he moved back to the bar, intending to continue drinking when he saw the shoe. He was tempted to leave it but found himself picking it up. He glanced at the door. He might catch them.
"Hey old man. Save my spot." Zoro called out, pushing through the door.
Usopp ran as quickly as he could across the street to a nearby building. Because Nami held onto the clima tact and the strange slingshot her rescuer was free to move.
"HEY!" he shouted. "Let us in please! Someone help us!"
Not many people moved around, and it seemed a rough part of town as people shook their head. However Usopp saw a porch of what appeasred to be someone's business that had a closed sign. Quickly Usopp saw his chance and hauled her over. Bofh of them needed to catch their breath and decide what to do next. In the state she was in he didn't want to take her back to the ship. Where were her belongings? Nami was spooked, that was for sure, and he had to find out why. If Luffy saw her like this he'd flip. Usopp was glad he was strong enough to carry her effortlessly.
"I'm such a fucking fool," she sobbed.
"Did they touch you, hurt you?" Usopp asked as he set her down on the porch.
There were footsteps approaching quickly from behind. "Hey!" A voice called out. "She dropped her shoe."
"Thanks mister," muttered Usopp not looking up. "But that's the least of our worries."
He grumbled, "Don't you care they almost raped this woman? Thanks for standing by and doing nothing."
He didn't turn around, pissed beyond belief as Nami sobbed into his shoulder shaking. She was hysterical. Usopp's voice had broken and dropped an octave. He sounded different but he was so pissed he didn't even recognize the voice at first. He was already in the shade of the building's front on the porch, crouched over the woman with ripped clothes, so Zoro didn't get a good look at either of them.
"You know..." Zoro started. "Think whatever you fucking want. Don't know why I even bothered." Zoro growled at him, tossing the shoe to their feet. He began to walk away. "It's not like it was me who cleared the damn bar or anything but don't mention it." He called back, walking away.
"Thanks a fucking heap," Usopp muttered.
"He helped us, that's enough!" The woman let out a choked sob, clinging to Usopp as he picked her up. "You could at least thank him!"
Eyes hidden by his hat brim the sniper mumbled. "Let's just go find the others..."
"Th... thank you for helping us," the girl muttered softly. "It's my fault... don't yell at him Usopp... Please..."
"But Nami..." protested the sniper.
"Just... let's go and find the others and let him be. He doesn't need to be caught up in our problems," she said in a whisper.
Zoro froze, recognizing that voice anywhere, hearing the man say her name and he turned, slowly. That couldn't be right could it? "Nami?" He asked.
A sick feeling came into Nami's stomach. Oh no, not here, not now. Not like this. Of all the rotten luck. It began to seem like fate favored her because it was the sniper who had saved her. Nami let out a choked sob, and clung to Usopp. "Zo... zoro? Is that you?"
"Holy shit, I didn't recognize you," Usopp gasped as he spun around. "Shit... I'm sorry I..."
"Yeah..." Zoro said, taken aback. "Good to see you too Usopp." He muttered. "Didn't recognize you. His gaze shifted to Nami's again, his face composed, not letting her see the rage that moved through him at the thought of those men touching her, not letting her see much of anything really.
"It's my fault," mumbled Nami quietly. "For dressing how I did."
"Now you know that's not true," Usopp began.
"Bullshit, it's not like you were dressed any different than the other women in there," muttered the deep voice that made her shiver.
All she saw was a green coat in her periphery, hiding behind the sniper as she was. Nami didn't even look at him, she was still shaken. Usopp frowned. This wasn't like the Nami he knew. What the hell had happened to her in the two years? She didn't even look the sniper in the face.
Zoro crossed his arms. "Are you hurt?" he asked
"S... sorry to spoil your drink," she said in a small voice.
"Nami what the hell is wrong with you?" Usopp asked, looking horrified.
She slowly pushed away from him, and staggered to her feet. "I don't want to be a burden to anyone," she said quietly. She leaned heavily on the clima tact, limping, while one of her arms crossed her chest to hold the halves of her ripped bikini top together. Tossing her head, she let her hair drape on either side of her face and cover her.
Zoro did his best to keep back from the conversation, though he noticed the change right off the bat as well. Where was the feisty fiery woman he'd been with? The woman that had caught his heart and then crushed it two years ago? Something had happened. He noticed her torn clothes, her shivering. With a sigh he took his jacket off, approaching her. He wanted to drape it around her, pull her close, and assure her that everything would be ok. Instead he held it out to her. "Return it to me when we get back to the ship alright?"
"Thank you," she mumbled as she accepted it. Quietly she pulled it around her. Usopp then muttered, "I don't care what you say. You're hurt..."
He bent down and said, "Get on my back and I'll carry you."
"Usopp... I can walk..." she protested weakly. Stubbornly she slipped Zoro's coat on, and then walked as she retrieved her shoe and put it on.
"But Nami…" began the sniper.
"I'm fine. Let's go find the others," she said quietly as Usopp looked at her shocked. Normally Nami would accept help in a heartbeat, but this Nami was different.
"Nice to see both of you. Guess we'll meet up at the ship." Zoro said, every intention of picking up where he'd left off with drinking.
Nami mumbled, "See you later... Zoro..."
"Ok," muttered Usopp quietly. "Sorry about cussing you out earlier..."
She barely looked at him from beneath her hair. "You've grown stronger..." she said in a quiet subdued voice. Seeing her hurt. Seeing her like this was worse. He felt like a coward but what else was he supposed to do? He saw her glance at him, his composure almost faltering. "Yeah. Two years is a long time. You look good." He told her.
"Thank you," she said quietly, with just a ghost of a smile.
"Nami, what was that mark on your back?" Usopp asked. "Don't tell me you were..."
"Bought as a slave to the world nobles?" Nami said softly. "Not exactly my choice of how to spend two years... but... I guess I learned a few things..."
Zoro had heard about women such as Boa Hancock being bought and sold as slaves or commodities. The idea of that happening to Nami seemed more than he could fathom.
"What the hell happened?" He asked. Somehow he was still here, despite what he should be doing.
"When I was sent away, I ended up in Weatheria. I tried to learn the secrets of the weather control. I had, but then I was captured, and sold as a slave... to a man who liked pretty and feisty things..." she said quietly.
"Nami?" asked Usopp worriedly, frowning. Arms crossed over his chest, the swordsman listened. Without his coat they could both see how much his muscles had bulked up though he still wore the green haraaki. Three swords tied instead in a red sash hung at their side on his hip. Yet that jagged scar that covered on eye was definitely alien, giving him a fiercer look.
"Then what?" Zoro grunted, nodding for her to continue. Outwardly he glanced at both of them, but she couldn't guess the emotions he must be feeling.
"He liked redheads... I guess it was fortunate he wanted me alive... and that he had a library. It took me many times to try and escape..." Nami said with a shrug, though her voice shook.
"Of course! You're a thief after all!" the sniper chimed in, but a glare from Zoro silenced him.
"Your weapon's different," Zoro pointed out. If he could just keep things on a neutral note then she wouldn't see or guess how he warred with himself inside.
She held up the clima tact. "I was able to learn how to perfect it with sorcery like you did with dials Usopp. Strange how the lessons of a lifetime come in handy."
"What does that mean?" Zoro gruffly queried, with a hint of sternness in his tone that indicated he was indeed affected. That dark eyed stare showed some anger, but only the sort she'd expect from a first mate who saw a crew member had suffered. She'd expected as much, and deserved far less than the worry he showed. If only she knew what was really behind that gaze.
"I can't say if I got stronger or not in the two years, but I guess getting out alive is something," she said with a quiet laugh. When she looked up at them both men noticed that there were fine scars on her face, and her hands. Half of her face looked like it had been burned and healed over. Indeed the smudge of makeup on Usopp's hand told him that she'd been covering it over.
Zoro felt rage, stronger than earlier burning in him. He wanted to go and murder everyone of the bastards that had hurt her, he wanted to hold her, assure her she was safe now. "You've always been strong Nami. I doubt this'll be any different. Wasn't that the point of us being sent off? To make us stronger?"
"Maybe for most of you," she said softly. She just shrugged a bit. "But I learned far more about navigation. That should be of some help to Luffy."
"Strength isn't always physical." Zoro told her quietly.
Now Zoro saw the burn mark on her cheek that covered her face. Her right eye looked as if one pupil were a different size then the other. She managed a small smile at Zoro and said, "Let's hope so..."
"I'm sure we'll see for sure soon enough," the swordsman remarked, trying to will himself not to step any closer though his ever impulse cried out to search for those responsible and slaughter them.
Looking at Usopp and Zoro she said, "You two are so much more grown up now... look at you..."
"Fat lot of good I did," Usopp muttered sadly. "I tried my best to rescue you but... even with the pop greens..."
"Pop greens?" asked Nami. "That Venus flytrap thing that ate those guys..." he chuckled.
"That was pretty impressive." Zoro had to admit. "You've both changed. We'll have to see how much at a later point." Zoro agreed. "You staying on the ship or what?'
"The ship?" asked Nami, frowning.
"For the night?" the swordsman clarified.
"I haven't yet gotten a room," Nami admitted. "I only just arrived here. Only just managed to escape with all the money that owner of mine ever owed me... with help from one of the Weatheria men."
"Uh huh, yeah. I'm supposed to be the liar in the group, not you," Usopp interrupted her.
"Nami," Zoro grunted, fixing her in a hard stare "What really happened? Where's your belongings?"
She looked down. "No, that's a fib. A few fishmen friends of mine bailed me out... and helped me escape from that bastard. They gave me the change of clothes that I'm wearing now, and managed to get back some of the money owed me which I paid them with. I got most of the rest of it back and was using it to drink in the bar to calm down. I didn't have any of my possessions. Those were gone. But unfortunately those bastards in the bar… stole my money before Usopp saved me."
"Fish men?" Usopp asked.
She nodded. "They were sent by Jinbe."
Zoro gave her a careful nod. "If you run into problems let me know. I'm staying at the place next to the bar." He wanted to invite her but he knew she'd turn it down. He'd offer the help and not expect anything
"Thank you," she muttered.
"Nami... surely you can split a room with me," muttered Usopp.
"I don't want to put you out," she sighed.
"But you said the men at the bar stole your money!" Usopp countered, reaching to grab her wrist.
Nami shrugged him off. "I still have a little money," she muttered, reaching into her bra to count it. "I'll be fine."
"It's better to stay in the same place Zoro's in," said Usopp worriedly. Zoro felt a bitter stab of jealousy. He knew Usopp meant well. They were like siblings but it still hurt.
"I won't stay with you. It wouldn't' be right," said Nami quietly. "I'll go find a place up the road. One of the fish men recommended it."
"He's right. It's a good idea." Zoro said. "Someone you trust should stay with you. You shouldn't be alone." Zoro told her
Nami turned to him quietly. "Are you volunteering? After what I did to you?" she said in a small voice. "I don't deserve any of your help."
Usopp frowned. "Nami... we're your nakima... don't..."
"I didn't say me. You made your feelings clear. Usopp offered. I'm just saying it's a good idea." Zoro told her firmly, proud of the conviction in his voice, though the words were hard to force out. "Usopp's right. We're nakama. It's your choice."
Zoro noticed that Nami was just wearing a belt with the holster for her clima tact The money that she had in her pouch was long gone. Other then the coat she had borrowed from him and her clima tact, she had no possessions. Only the clothes on her back, and those were the ones that the fish men gave her. Now the bikini top was ripped and only Zoro's green coat hid her from view. The beautiful jeans she wore were all torn, and those were the only clothes she had with her.
"I'll see you tomorrow," she mumbled as she walked off down the road, feeling like she was intruding. "I've other clothes on the ship and I'll just change into them there. They didn't get the jewelry or money I left in my quarters."
"Nami wait!" Usopp cried but she walked quickly, eyes stinging with tears. She didn't want either of them to see her about to cry.
"Damn it..." Zoro growled. Usopp was one of the few that knew of their relationship, and the fallout from it. "Nami. Wait up." he called, walking after her. His stride was much longer than hers. He could hear Usopp walking behind him, thankful he hadn't decided to leave.
"Now give me a break Nami! Stop! You can't run away from us!" Usopp called to her.
Nami kept walking, not looking back. She felt like hell. Why did she have to walk into the same bar and ruin Zoro's life again?She hadn't even want to run into him yet. Just wait and see him on the ship. Not that he'd want her again when he found out what all she had done or been done to her.
"Nami. Cut the bullshit and stop would you?" Zoro called out.
Even though the navigator stopped, but didn't turn around. She used her clima tact like a long walking pole. Her long orange hair fluttered in the wind, and her shoulders shook slightly.
"Neither of us is going to let you rent a place in a strange in considering what state you're in." Zoro pointed out. "You should go with Usopp and just try and get your head on straight ok? Luffy needs a damn navigator." Zoro snapped at her, trying to talk sense into her.
"You sure he'd want one who was a prostitute to a world noble?" she asked quietly.
"Nami..." Usopp trailed off.
"Luffy doesn't give a shit and you know it..." Zoro told her, his harshness starting to soften as he looked at her.
She looked at him and murmured, "Maybe not." then she mumbled, "You want me to stay with Usopp, I'll stay with him..."
Zoro let out a sigh. He deserved a damn medal for what he was about to say. "Regardless of everything that happened between us, my feelings haven't changed. I want you to be safe and happy alright. You aren't right now. But at least for tonight, you can get a safe 8 hours of sleep alright?" He said softly, lowering his voice.
"Thank you..." she stammered, and let out a small whimper. Usopp saw her put her hand over her face, straining to keep back tears. Oh shit, she thought to herself. She wasn't going to cry in front of him, she wasn't, even though she hadn't been safe and happy in 2 years of hell.
Zoro saw the change, the tears she was holding back. Was it situational or was it because of his words? He didn't have a clue. "Look. There's a couch in my room I can crash on or you can split a room with Usopp alright? Just pick one already because I'm planning on getting plastered and there isn't a damn thing anyone can do to stop me." He told her honestly
She nodded slowly, and held out the money that she'd taken out of her bikini top, saying, "Have fun getting plastered. You deserve to get it after me ruining your drinking."
Usopp looked at her worriedly and wrapped an arm around her. "C'mon, let's get you a room."
He didn't take it. "I have money. I don't need yours. Thanks." He glanced at Usopp. "Take care of her alright?" He sighed. Part of him had at least hoped she'd have picked him. Instead she'd tried to settle everything between them with cash. He shook his head starting to walk away.
Wincing Nami let the money drop from her numb hand. She hugged herself tightly, holding the coat around her. Eyes stung with unshed tears. Of course it was what she deserved. Nausea filled her as she looked down at the money, but she didn't have the heart to pick it up. Quickly she spun around, unable to watch Zoro leaving. Green beri bills blowing around back and forth. Horrified to see Nami throw money away Usopp picked it up.
"Nami! Your money!" the sniper said holding it out to her.
"I'm going back to the ship," she mumbled. "See you back there."
"But Zoro said..." Usopp stammered, brandishing the bills. "This belongs to you! It's money! Don't tell me you don't…"
"He's got his own issues. He doesn't need me fucking up his life again..." Nami said as she marched off.
This couldn't be happening, Usopp gasped. Nami never would refuse money. It was horrible. The worst thing! What had those bastards done to his friend? Anger filled him as he clutched the money and rushed after her. He would give it back to her even if he had to shove it in her hand himself! Nami loved money and tangerines!
"Nami... Nami wait!" Usopp shrieked, brandishing the money as he rushed after her.
However the navigator made straight for the ship, intent on just doing her job. She would do her best for Luffy and look ahead, not back. It was clear she'd already ruined any chance with the swordsman already.
Usopp ran quickly as he took off after her, but at the rate she was walking she would soon reach the ship by dark. If only he could get to her by then he could stop her from making a huge mistake.
Tears burned Nami's eyes. She ran quickly, not wanting to see or hear anyone. Trying to lose the person running after her she pleaded, "Neptune, don't run after me Usopp. Please…"
"NAMI!" shrilled the sniper, his footsteps pounding. "DAMN IT STOP!"
"Go away Usopp! I don't want your help!" Nami shouted back. "Just leave me alone!"
She spun around, her clima tact crackling with energy. Swallowing hard Usopp marched up to her. He knew what a temper she had, but it was better seeing her pissed off than anything. Nami turned and ran as quickly as she could, kicking off her sandals and leaving them behind instead of fighting. If there was one thing Usopp was still good at it was running away. But now his legs carried him rapidly after his friend.
"Nami I'm not going to stop till you do!" Usopp hollered at her. "Now just STOP before I have to make you!"
"You don't have the guts to stop me!" Nami suddenly yelled, whirling around as the Sniper caught up to her.
"You're wrong Nami!" Usopp said, not even breaking a sweat. His tanned skin covered muscles that would put his former self to shame. For a minute she took a good look at the sniper and realized he was now a man from the muscles he sported and the new yellow pants with leather suspenders.
"Look at me Usopp! What kind of person do you think I am? You got stronger, but I didn't! I blew it! Luffy doesn't need me!" growled Nami.
"Bull!" Usopp shouted back, grabbing her by the upper arm. "Nami, for Neptune's sake listen to me!"
Instantly Nami froze, shivering. Was it instinct to the touch of someone dominating her? Usopp realized the fear in her eyes and it was like a slap in the face. She turned away, whimpering. "Usopp… after what I did to Zoro… I don't deserve to be a straw hat. I was a whore! I'm not even…"
"Nami, you listen to me!" Usopp interrupted. "I'm not having that! I didn't spend 2 years training to leave any of my friends behind! If you're going to run, I'm going to run with you!"
"What?" Nami got out, blinking at him.
Dark brows furrowing, the snipper snapped, "I'm your friend. Luffy will kill me if you don't come back! And Sanji will…"
"Sanji…" she sniffled. "I don't want him to see me like this…"
"Exactly. You need to get rest, and clean clothes… and this money is yours," said Usopp as he pushed it into her hands. "And I know once you're in your right mind you'd smack me for not giving it back!"
Swallowing hard, Nami snatched it away and held it to her. Her eyes watered and she saw her friend grasping at both her arms. "Usopp… you stupid pain in the ass…" she got out.
"Nami, c'mere," he muttered.
Nami then grabbed him and hugged him tightly to her, sobbing. She didn't even notice that the poor sniper's nose was buried in her chest and he found it hard to breath. His muffled voice against her chest made her suddenly stop. Glancing down she saw what had happened, and suddenly started to laugh. He stumbled back blushing deeply.
"Your chest's smothering me," Usopp blurted out.
"Usopp, you… you… I don't know what to say," Nami groaned, rubbing her eyes. "You're so grown up and I…"
"You aren't going to hit me are you?" he stammered.
"No…" Nami murmured.
"I wish you would hit me. It'd be normal," Usopp muttered, frowning. "Nami… please just come back and share a room with me. I'm begging you…"
"You begging me's more like you," she sniffled, wiping at her eyes. Then she felt herself pulled into the sniper's strong arms. His chin buried into her neck, chest pressing to hers as if afraid to let go.
"Nami please… please…" Usopp mumbled. "Don't run away from me. Let me help you. Or else I'll die a horrible disease…"
"What disease?" Nami muttered, hugging him back as she shook. She could feel him shaking too.
"The 'I'd die a guilty death if I didn't help my friend' disease," Usopp whimpered.
"Usopp, I guess some things haven't changed," Nami managed a small giggle.
"C'mon… let's find an inn. I'm getting the 'fear of the dark disease' now…" Usopp mumbled into her neck.
"Okay, you win. I'll go with you," Nami relented, knowing that she couldn't say no to him. Pulling back Usopp felt her sniffling and reached up to wipe her tears with a cloth out of his red satchel. She noticed it was one of his old bandannas. He took her hand gently in his and nodded back towards the town.
"C'mon…" he urged.
Nami stumbled a bit as she tried to walk, and Usopp caught her. "Okay, that does it. You're going to ride on my back Nami…"
"Fine, fine," she mumbled, touched by this gesture as he got down and held his hands out. Unscrewing her clima tact she put it into the holster, and then buttoned Zoro's green coat around her. Gingerly she wrapped her arms around his neck and felt his arms wrap around her legs carefully. She knew that Usopp wouldn't touch her or treat her in a bad way. Standing up, Usopp hefted her and said, "All right?"
"Let's go…" Nami said, swallowing hard. It reminded her of how Zoro had carried her on his back. But this time it was just a friend, and a much-needed one. Carrying her piggyback, the sniper easily bore the navigator back to the inn to get a room.