I sneezed, but I managed to muffle the sound with my arm. It was one of those rare moments when I felt grateful for being half reindeer. It has been quite chilly lately, even for me. Everybody else is wrapped in a few layers of clothing, except the monster trio. I wonder how they do it.
They were all still fast asleep, thank goodness. Zoro started twitching and mumbled something unintelligible. I slowly patted his moss green hair. The first time I had to do this was when I first joined the Mugiwara. Zoro started rambling in the middle of the night. I was unsure of what to do at first. But I remembered the one thing Dr Hiruluk did to chase away my bad dreams. He'd stay by my side and pat my head, whispering comforting words. When I did this, Zoro seemed to calm down. This only ever happens occasionally, once or twice a month. But I don't mind. Although I don't think Zoro himself is aware that he has nightmares.
After comforting Zoro, I climbed out of the hammock. I was feeling a bit restless tonight. The moon was round and bright and illuminated the seas. I caught sight of fins breaking the surface of the water. Sea kings. I hope they're harmless.
I pushed open the door; it creaked loud enough to wake the dead. Good thing they sleep like logs. The chilly and salty sea air was a like a punch to the gut. My eyes watered slightly.
My stomach grumbled. Perhaps there was still some leftover apple pie in the galley.
I snuck as silently as I could across the deck; I caught sight of two silhouettes at the opposite edge of the deck, their faces towards the full moon and the sea. I stopped, and stared at the two figures. Friends or foes?
I mustered up every single ninja-ness within me and tiptoed nearer the two figures. The moonlight shone on them and I realised it was only Franky and Nico Robin. Oh well. I started walking back towards the galley. Franky and Nico Robin?!
I stopped in mid step and slinked back towards the two.
They were fast asleep. Franky's arm was around Nico Robin's shoulders and Nico Robin seemed to be smiling. In Nico Robin's lap was an open book.
I smiled. I eased out the book from Nico Robin's grasp and put it onto the table nearby Robin's sunbathing spot. I went back into the guys' cabin to grab a spare blanket for the both of them. I draped it around their shoulders. Without realising it, a tear dropped onto my cheek.
Franky and Nico Robin were like the parents I never had. Nico Robin smelt like flowers and old books. It was comforting. Franky always smells like oil and Cola. It's not disturbing, far from that. It makes me feel safe. Both of them would always look out for us, like real mothers and fathers are supposed to. Even my own reindeer parents deserted me and left me to die in the snow. By now, the tears were like rivulets, staining my fur.
A strong gust of sea breeze made the sails flutter a bit harder. Nico Robin exuded warmth like a furnace. I curled up onto her lap, enough room for me to feel comfortable. I breathed in the scent of Nico Robin and Franky. The rivulet of tears doesn't look like stopping anytime soon.
I looked up into the night sky. I wished for more nights like these. I
I felt Franky's big hand on me. I smiled.
