Title: Caught Between the Horns of a Dilemma
Author: Trynia Merin
Universe: One Piece
Genre: Romance, angst, lemon
Rating: M for lemon
Author's note: I originally wrote this to take place after my other two one shots, but it's more of a stand alone but could be considered part of that storyline. I shared the idea with Jessica and she rather liked it. So I'm tweaking it for Nami's birthday sort of.
Pairing: Nami/Sanji, Nami/Zoro, some mild Sanji/Zoro (just a kiss)
Warning: M for sex, some m/m kissing, m/f sex.
Disclaimer: Eichiro Oda created One Piece, not me. This story is fanfiction, and means no harm to the series. I make no money for the writing of this story.
It had been Zoro's idea initially, to go to a tavern the first night of shore leave. Only when Sanji butted in and reminded them that was hardly a place to celebrate a special occasion did Zoro grumble at her. Her birthday was in a week, and the crew of the Straw hats had gone ashore on Annorax for a much-needed break. The members of the ship had grouped into twos and threes for safety. Yet when Nami said she would tag along with Zoro for a drink, Sanji tagged along.
So here she was, stuck with the cook and the swordsman who both had various ideas about how to cut loose their first night on shore leave. They would meet with the rest of the crew in a few days further up the coast to the port town of Conseil, where the others straw hats were staying in an inn. The main reason they had stopped in Arronax was to throw off the Marines into thinking the straw hats had divided their forces. Which meant Nami, Zoro, and Sanji volunteered to take the ship and moor it here while the other Straw hats went to Consiel.
In the present moment, Nami felt the sting of the rum slide down her throat. People's conversations drifted in and out of the piano, violin, and accordion trio that were performing on a raised step in a corner of the smoky club. Drinks were inexpensive, and people asked no questions. Zoro had heard about the club from his Bounty hunting days and Nami was curious.
Maybe it was the way that Zoro seemed to disappear with a barmaid that drove jealousy into Nami's heart, but she ignored the man she was currently romancing, having gotten hold of his wallet.
"You want my attention, you'll pay for it," she growled.
Once she had pushed him off, she moved onto the next older man, who started to buy her drinks. She felt well relaxed, but a bit dizzy.
"Nami swan, you don't want THAT drink," huffed a familiar blonde-haired person, who ducked on her other side and whisked it away.
"Sanji, he bought me that!"
"And I'm buying you another, my dear Nami swan," said Sanji as he moved between her and another man about to grope her.
"I can take care of myself," she snorted.
"I insist," Sanji said, blue grey eyes pleading. Something about his demeanor and the way he set his hand on her waist had her suspicious. Those lips of his whispering in her ear, "The drink is drugged."
Sighing, Nami glared at him. "Fine."
Had Sanji been watching her the whole time, even though he had been cavorting and flirting? The thought made her feel reassured, and she saw the man glaring their ay.
"She's with me," said the older man.
"Sanji kun, my darling," Nami said as she leaned into his arm. "Can you dance with me?"
"But of course, my Nami swan," Sanji said smoothly, taking her arm and leading her to the middle of the floor. Among the other couples moving to the beat, Nami allowed his hands on her waist and the other clasping her hand. Unlike other men, her toes did not suffer once from a misplaced foot. The chef was graceful and lithe keeping that discrete distance between them, but his nose near her neck.
His blonde fringe of hair over one eye tickled her nose next to his ear when she whispered into it. "You saw it drugged?"
"Indeed. I'd be remiss if I didn't protect you," he said. Bending close, Nami inhaled his scent, and felt a wave of gladness come into her heart, a place she guarded closely.
"Thank you, Sanji," she said seriously, wrapping her arms around him to give him a rare hug.
"My Nami swan," he murmured, wrapping his arms around her as well. Thin and lithe, but like a dancer they held her as they moved to the slow dance. She pillowed her head on his shoulder, accepting the comfort as her eyes glistened. Something about the song made her want to weep.
Pulling back, she felt Sanji's hand cupping her face, and the way in which he bent close, to deposit a kiss on her cheek. Caught up in the moment, she kissed his cheek in return, and her mouth met his. Sanji returned the kiss, keeping his mouth closed and chaste. That one soft kiss melted at her heart, and she felt a huge lump in her throat as tears came down her eyes.
"Nami swan," whispered Sanji, pulling away at once. "Let's sit this one out..."
"Be with me," she whispered.
"As much as I'd love to take you up on your offer, my dearest Nami swan…" began Sanji. "I can't right now."
"Why not?" Nami blurted out, unable to see him through the blur descending on his eyes.
"Shhh... shh please don't cry," Sanji, pleaded. Immediately his handkerchief came up to dry her eyes and she leaned into him, nodding as he led her to the table, and he sat both of them down. "What is the matter my dear?" he asked her.
"I'm lonely," Nami managed to get out.
"As am I, my Nami swan," whispered Sanji, cupping her cheeks. "But I'm not a man to take advantage of you in a vulnerable state."
Frustration filled her face, and she let out a choked sob. Kissing her forehead, Sanji whispered, "Shh shh sh... please don't cry..."
"Then what am I supposed to..." she got out.
"Anything but that my dear, in your distress," he murmured.
"Sanji kun, can I sit on your lap," she said, realizing that sex was out of the question. She was not going to be a pity fuck to him. Only when she felt she was worth coming to him not out of vulnerability. Immediately Sanji pulled her to sit on his lap, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting embrace.
This was all she really needed. Sanji gave her a reassuring smile. "You're worth it to me to wait till you're happy when you wish to be with me, Nami swan. But till that time, don't sell your body for sorrow."
To this Nami managed a happy chuckle, and looked back at him. 'But kissing is all right?"
"Kissing is more than all right," he whispered, showering them on her neck and arm. Nami kissed the back of his hand, and he let out a low sigh.
"This is all I want right now too," she admitted to him. "Just to be held..."
"And that I will do willingly a thousand times over, Nami swan..." he reassured her, positioning her to sit in front so his arms folded on her lap and her knees were atop his. Into her soft hair, he buried his nose, which was an action Nami could feel. The smell of his cologne started to get to her as Nami felt her body twitching in desperate need.
Deeply Nami inhaled, realizing what Sanji's position was. He just wanted her to be happy. Was that it? Soft kisses were pressed to her neck once she relaxed, to her delight. "Nami swan, your hair looks so lovely…"
"Touch it please," she said with a small smirk on her face. All right, she would play his game. Even if she were not a fainting violet, he would do anything for her. Therefore, she would be happy, and prove to him they could both get what the other wanted. Very subtly, Nami parted her legs, hoping Sanji would not get a nosebleed from what she was doing. This brought his knees rubbing up against her in a slow motion.
Delicately Sanji kissed her neck, finding that she had relaxed and arched her neck. One arm wrapped around her waist staying on her hip while his other hand slid down her bare arm, with one sensual finger. Nami swallowed hard, letting her body jerk with pleasure. Down her bare shoulder, Sanji traced kisses, working his way down her arm to her pulse point.
Was this his idea of that silly romance? Because she HAD to admit, it was very sensual, driving waves of need into her body. "Do you like that my dearest Nami swan?" he whispered.
"I'm burning up," she whispered, and then heard his breath catch. Angling her head over her shoulder, she looked at his bluish grey eyes from beneath his hair. The other was hidden, but she guessed his distinctive brow was just as fancy beneath his bangs. Taking his hand, she kissed his pulse point, and heard his slow moan. The fabric of his pants slipped against her bare legs and she pressed her back to his chest, feeling the buttons of his jacket.
Sanji pressed his knees together, allowing her to straddle him, and instead breathed gently into her ear. His hands moved within inches of her breasts before he whispered, "May I?"
"If you don't. I'll not speak to you for the rest of the evening," she threatened. Sanji let out a whine and then slid both his hands down. To his surprise, Nami did not smack him, but allowed him to massage the soft globes of flesh.
"Our name swan," he murmured, encouraged as he played and she chuckled, guiding his hands. "I love your glorious breasts…"
"Then go ahead and play," she whispered. Hearing his choked gasp, she guided his hands, and then arched her neck. Kissing her neck, he nipped at it, and then tickled the tips of her breasts through her shirt. She let out a moan, and rocked a bit.
"I'm sorry Nami swan," he suddenly apologized. "To lose control in public…"
Seeing the look of guilt on his face, she rolled her eyes. "It's ok. Just stop apologizing and let's have some wine, idiot?"
Grey blue eyes twinkled a bit before Sanji urged her off his lap. Offering his hand to her, he guided her back to the table and reused their bottle of wine. Nami took the two glasses for him so they could both walk back to their chair. One he sat down he nodded for her to sit on his lap again. She held the glasses when lifted the bottle to pour wine into each one.
"What shall we toast?" Nami asked, watching him take one from her as he set down the bottle on a nearby table devoid of chairs. The patrons filling the bar had taken all of them.
"To us, my Nami swan, and to your happiness," Sanji smoothly said, amused at Nami linking her wrist with his. She saw him put a hand over his nose to stop the bleeding, before they sipped from each other's glasses.
The sound of the piano spread through the bar, and Nami had relaxed enough on Sanji's lap that she was far from distressed. Unfortunately, the attempts to kiss him were met with polite deference. It was starting to get on her nerves.
"Don't you want to even kiss me?" she asked.
"I am not convinced you are yet happy my Nami swan," murmured Sanji softly. Irritated, Nami decided that enough was enough. She seized his chin, and planted a kiss on his mouth. Hearing his groan, she then felt the flicker of his tongue against her lips. He tasted of wine and cigarettes. Both their mouths opened slightly, before their tongues toughed briefly. Her hands wound into his hair at the same time his did.
"Are you now?" she asked. Pulling back.
"Perhaps… I need more convincing," Sanji panted. Suddenly blood dribbled out of his nose and he pressed his hand to his face.
"Sanji!" Nami yelped, leaping off his lap. "C'mon you idiot… now's not the time to… hey!"
"Forgive me, my name swan; you have driven such passion in me!" Sanji apologized, hand pressed to his nose. Frowning Nami loosened his shirt collar and then fanned his neck. Any romantic interludes would have to wait.
"Maybe you need a cigarette," Nami suggested.
"A wise decision Nami swan," he said, feeling ashamed as he hit his face from her. Sensing his embarrassment Nami rested a hand on his shoulder.
"I'll be ok, I have to use the restroom anyway…" she said. " Also I'm wondering where Zoro disappeared to…"
"Shitty swordsman, always crashing the party," Sanji mumbled, looking up at her as he rose to his feet.
"I'm going to look for his annoying ass," Nami said.
"Be careful, my name swan!" Sanji urged but Nami had vanished into the crowd. She saw the line of women towards the back and shook her head. Sanji would not follow her back there, besides he was quickly rushing to the aid of some woman who had smacked a lusty date.
"Mademoiselle, allow me! How DARE you treat a lady in such a manner!" he said to the man. Nami rolled her eyes.
"Idiot," she muttered, realizing the line was too long. May be better to just go outside and find a bush. She then made her way to find a rear exit when she came across a few women walking here and there. One of them held the hand of their date, and walked them up.
So this was where the hookers rooms were, Nami realized. She could see a few men talking to the women in the back as they sat on a sofa, and spoke. Not so surprised, she saw the swordsman talking to a dark haired woman, and her jealousy kicked in.
"Stupid idiot," Nami mumbled. She marched over, and stood right near him, hands on her hips. Most of the women dressed no less or more provocatively than Nami did in a bikini top and shorts, her skimpiest outfit. Right now Nami's buttoned up blouse only showed her navel if she lifted her arms, and the skirt she wore was to mid thigh.
"Ahem!" she coughed, The hooker Zoro spoke to looked up at Nami matter of fact with gold eyes. Her hair had the slightest reddish brown tinge to it, and was shoulder length though pinned back in a clip. Makeup was pristenly applied. Her dress was light green, off the sleeve and showing the same amount of cleavage Nammi's blouse did. Apparently they were comparable in the bust department, but this woman's 'rack' was less rounded than Nami's breasts.
"What do you want witch?" Zoro asked without missing a beat as he looked up at her in amusement.
"Excuse me honey, but he's my client," the hooker said as she looked up at Nami.
"She's not a prostitute," Zoro said as he looked at her in irritation. "Look, I don't owe you anything do I? I thought you were with shit cook!"
"Excuse me for being worried then!" Nami snapped as she glared at him.
"Now just a minute! You were the one who ditched me so why are you bitching. I'll only be a few minutes," Zoro began, arms folded across his chest.
Nami grabbed onto his arm, tugging at it. "Sanji's had a nosebleed, and this place is getting too full,"
"Miss, look, he already picked me," said the hooker, hands on her hips. "You can have him later when I'm done ok? That's the only fair…"
"Here, now go away and leave us be. And good luck tonight. Don't let any of the men drug your drinks," Nami said reaching into her top and yanking out some cash. To Zoro's surprise, she shoved it into the woman's hands.
"Thanks miss," the hooker said, slipping the money into her breasts and getting up to leave. She seemed considerably less sour. A smile turned up her lips. She turned and nodded to Nami, murmuring, "thanks for the tip. I'll let George know that someone's drugging drinks and he'll make sure they'll cut it out."
"Good," Nami said nodding. Silent understanding passed between the two women, and Zoro's possible hook up vanished into the crowd as she looked for another patron.
"You are NOT charging me for that, witch!" Zoro grumbled, glaring at Nami. "It wasn't any of your business anyway!"
"Let's go before Sanji faints!" Nami said as she reached down to grab his hand.
"Let go of me, you crazy woman," Zoro complained, trying to shake her off as she attempted to drag him to his feet. Nami lost her balance and crashed right into his lap.
"Ooof, you clumsy oaf!" Nami snapped smacking hi8m.
"Ow! You were the one who landed on me, witch!" Zoro complained as he rubbed his throbbing head. Yet he made no move to push her off. For some reason sitting on his lap was a curious and pleasant sensation. Nami's hand rested against his chest and she felt how hard the muscles were. Instead of saying anything else, Zoro had taken a sip of the bottle of whisky to his left.
"Cat got your tongue?" he asked, amused, looking at her sitting there.
"Shut up jerk, I was just…" Nami began pulling her hand away. Why hadn't he pushed her back or urged her to move.
"Here," Zoro said, presenting her with the bottle in the middle of what she said next.
Feeling hot and flustered, Nami snatched the bottle from him and sipped it. It dawned on her that it was good as an indirect kiss. Considering the kisses they had been sneaking, it was tame. "Thanks," she muttered.
"Welcome, now stop hogging the bottle," he said as he took it back from her and sipped it. Just why she wanted to get off his lap was beyond her so Nami simply shifted so she was comfortable, curious to see how far she could push him. One of his hands steadied her but kept in neutral territory on her hip while the other held the bottle.
"I am not," Nami said, pressing her knees together.
Regarding her curiously he said, "Restroom's that way…"
"Shut up," Nami began.
"Bush out back," Zoro said as he looked at her carefully. "If you want I'll stand in front of it while you…?"
Surprised again, Nami finally got off his lap, and he stood up after her motioning her after him. How well did this person know her? Then again, they were nakima, not to mention drinking buddies. Among all the crew, he was the closest to a best friend other than Robin. He of all people knew how she hated public restrooms.
Outside the back, the cool night breeze kissed her face. Nami spotted the bush, and she said, "You can stand and look that way… no peaking."
"Who'd want to look at you witch?" teased Zoro, which earned him another smack. He chuckled without flinching while Nami stormed off to do her business. It was a quick squat, and with the toilet tissue in her pocket, she would soon be done. Glad for the short skirt, it was an easy business.
"All done," she finally called out. All she heard was a low grunt in affirmation, and the movement of his back to her. Did it disappoint her that he was not looking? He of all the guys on the ship didn't bother. Nevertheless, it was clear he had a sex drive from those times he kissed her.
Intrigued, Nami stepped out from behind the bush, looking at him in profile. He stood there staring back at the tavern, but she knew he could easily sense her. Nami then stood up on tiptoes and took hold of his arm to plant a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you," she whispered.
"What for?" Zoro asked, giving her an unreadable look. Still both arms crossed over his chest stoically. Nami moved around to take the sides of his face and plant a kiss on his mouth the same she did for Sanji. A hand seized her, grasping her arm lightly but not pulling away.
"What's your game?" he asked her, fixing the full weight of that dark eyed gaze on her. She couldn't help feeling a bit like oneo f his opponents, but didn't visibly show it. The arguing always made her feel more excited.
"Game, what game?" countered Nami. "I'm just giving you a kiss."
"You sure you want to?" he asked, frowning at her slightly. Before she could step back, his arm went around her waist, and pulled her to his hard body. This action drove the breath from Nami sufficiently to stop any words. Instead, her eyes met his dark ones with a hard gaze that seemed far from angry.
"I wouldn't have if I didn't want to," she said definitely sticking her chin out. He sipped the bottle of booze, and then smirked at her.
"If that's the case,' he trailed off, lips fluttering half shut.
"Then WHAT?" she challenged, wrapping her arms around his neck. Maybe she could get what she craved from Zoro. To her delight his hand stayed where it was. His mouth descended on hers quickly to seize her mouth in a kiss. Fire seemed to shoot through her, and Nami let out a gasp at his tongue coaxing into her mouth.
Frantically she grasped their sides of his head tugging at his hair. Zoro retaliated by sucking on her tongue and nipping at her bottom lip. Breaking the kiss, Nami panted deeply to gaze into those dark eyes. IN their depths, she saw hungry passion that matched her own. "That's what…"
It wasn't very often she saw the swordsman with such an intent expression related to anything except training, fighting, or drinking. Though she had seen it aimed towards her, she thought it was just a passing thing. Nevertheless, the banter and the kisses they had shared had shown more than just a means to get back. Her elbow brushed past the hilts of his swords from her hand sliding down to his chest to massage it. Still he had not let go of the bottle but wrapped that arm around her to use his left hand instead to cup her cheek. There had been a spark between them that had increased to fever pitch now, but the presence of his hand caressing the side of her face took her by surprise.
"There's a surprise," he smirked.
"What?" she asked, not pulling away from the touch. It was much like Sanji's, but he wasn't trying to be a gentleman. Merely regarding her with something like admiration.
"You aren't quoting prices, are you, and you're speechless, woman," he breathed, so his hot exhalation tickled her lips.
"Sometimes it's on the house," she spluttered back, to which Zoro rolled his eyes. "I did it because I felt like it."
"Now what happened to the Nami we all know? Did you hit your head?" Zoro asked, warily though his hand remained where it was at the same time his thumb traced over her chin and lip.
"Well you kissed me back," she protested lamely.
"You were the one who sat on my lap," he pointed out, holding her with such strength that she could not escape even if she wanted to. After all her hands stole down to massage the back of his waist.
'That was an accident," she huffed.
"You paid off the hooker I was going to entertain myself with. You were taking her place?" Zoro asked, removing his hand slightly.
"This time I'm doing it because I want the pleasure of your company. No strings," Nami insisted. "But you believe what you want to, swordsman."
"Annoying witch, playing mind games," Zoro snorted, but he did grasp her cheek firmly in response to her hand caressing his face tenderly. Nami reached up and touched his lips with hers. Once stiffening Zoro relaxed into the kiss, reassured perhaps that the need was mutual at this point, and he was not going to argue. She would probably come to her senses and charge him, but if she insisted it was free, he would give as well as she gave.
. He tasted of rum and something spicy as always. Caught up in the kiss she leaned to be more on his level by standing on one foot. Zoro's hand on the small of her back boosted her up effortlessly so one foot left the ground, and his arm alone clutched her close. Blown away Nami let out a contented and surprised yelp that he swallowed which turned into a hum of bliss.
Both their heads swiveled to change position prolonging the dance of their tongues exploring each other's mouths. Zoro's nostrils flared with an intake of breath because he was sure as hell not going to release her from the kiss any time soon. The hand on the small of her back slid down to cup her bottom, dragging her up so her chest became level with his. Nami wrapped her legs around his waist at the instant his tongue danced with hers. Backing her up against a tree, he let one of his hands touch against it so her back rested on his large hand and the weight of his body pi9nned her in place. It amused and surprised him that she shifted up her left leg sufficiently to clear the sword hilts and not put extra pressure on the straps that bound them there. Along one leg, he slid his hand, feeling the three segments of her clima tact strapped there. Neither of them would remove their weapons despite the intimate meshing of their lips.
Zoro's senses were so acute the Navigator knew that she was safe. He wouldn't let down his guard for an instant even though his breath surged hotly into her mouth and he let out a growl. Now freed, his hand slid up her hips to her breast, starting to massage and knead it through the shirt and bra. Her own hand busied itself rubbing along his diagonal scar. Mutually they felt each other up and tweaked at their respective sensitive nipples at the same time, with the same goal in mind. Self-satisfaction, with the pleasure of the other in mind equally.
Through the momentary release of her lips, he inhaled a breath but his tongue traced her lip, licking long enough for her to gasp a breath. The absence of his mouth only lasted a mere second before his lips again claimed hers. Limiting their interaction to kissing shared mutual trust. Neither Nami nor Zoro would dare kiss a prostitute or hooker on the mouth, but there they were sharing a heated kiss and hands massaging and groping through clothes.
He pulled away, frowning. At first Nami feared he wasn't into it as much as she was. Nami protested until he put a hand over her mouth. "Quiet. I'm going to put you down now," he hissed in her ear shoving the booze into her hands.
She nodded, unwrapping her legs from his waist while he backed away. Nami knew he must have sensed someone, but he had not let go of her. "Don't move."
His left hand was nowhere to be seen but Nami heard the rasp of steel and the movement of his body back, dragging her with it. She saw the flash of the metal from Wado out of the corner of her eye and heard the cry of some unfortunate idiot stumbling back.
"That was really stupid of you," Zoro said as he glared at someone and Nami saw it was one of the men who had come after her earlier. Knowing better than to open her mouth she simply pressed her body to his and trusted he would handle things. Indeed, he gripped her and suddenly took off, his black boots carrying them back through the door and into the pub again. She could hear the swish of blades, a few angry shouts, and something else.
"Get ready to run," Zoro uttered in her ear. "And don't' drop the booze."
"Jerk," Nami muttered as she suddenly saw the flurry of feet, and two black legs spinning. Sanji must have gotten into some fight because she heard the clipped French.
"Next time you want to start a fight, shit cook, warn me," Zoro called out.
"Shut up, marimo, I was doing fine without you!" Sanji shouted back, and stood up.
"Run Nami, to shit cook," said Zoro to her. Nami bolted towards the blonde cook, who reached out his arms to catch her as she ran straight at him. She did not have her staff with her this time, and didn't relish-fighting hen she knew the two members out of the monster trio could handle things.
"I suggest you stop this now," Sanji called out, holding Nami close to him. His chest heaved up and down, and he glared towards those who had nursed their bruises.
"It's the straw hats! Get them!" called out one.
"NO fighting in here!" shouted the owner.
"Get Nami out of here, shit cook!" shouted Zoro, drawing another blade. Nami didn't want for Sanji as she rushed out, with him behind her. However, he scooped her up anyway bridal style and leapt up to deliver a perfect split kick to two goons trying to flank them. Nami wrapped arms around Sanji's neck and held on, feeling her breasts move a bit as they crashed through the crowd.
"Hold on Nami swan," Sanji said to her. Nami shoved the booze bottle into her bra. A huge jump later and she flipped upside down in his arms. Clinging to him with one arm as he crashed down into the midst of the crowd. She heard a thunderous crack as Sanji landed and knocked people away in a shockwave.
Meanwhile she glanced past his shoulder to see Zoro swords flashing and crashing against cutlasses. He easily had pushed people out of the way enough to make his way through the front door of the tavern. "Stop fooling around and hurry!" Nami called to him.
"Shut up witch!" called out Zoro, swinging his swords in two circles. The attack slammed people out of his way so he could reach the street where Sanji waited, still carrying her.
"You can put me down, Sanji," said Nami, glaring at him.
"And have you strain an ankle in the cobblestone streets Nami swan?" Sanji asked, running off with her towards the docks.
"Quit messing around and haul ass, curly brow," muttered Zoro, running the wrong way.
"This way marimo!" shouted Sanji, rushing after him. Nami squirmed out of Sanji's arms so he was forced to drop her and ran after Zoro.
"This way!" she called, grabbing his arm.
"You're the ones getting lost!" Zoro protested but let her drag him off anyhow after Sanji who led the way. He slipped his sword into its sheath, and grasped her left hand in his right one to her surprise and delight.
"Bull!" grumbled Sanji, rushing over and grabbing Nami's other hand in his as he led them both. "This way!"
Zoro's dark eyes gleamed from under his black bandanna. "Stop rushing me, curly brow! We've got company…"
"Watch me take them out, Nami swan, and learn something, shitty swordsman," Sanji taunted before letting go of her hand. "Party table kick course!"
Nami moved behind Zoro out of the way wisely, watching his swords slash their way through the lines of bounty hunters who seemed to be pouring out of the woodwork. As Zoro ploughed into them, she quickly went through their pockets for any valuables. Sanji's foot spun around clearing her crouched figure so he could deliver a nasty kick sufficient to break someone's jaw.
"Hurry up witch!" Zoro called to her.
"Don't call Nami swan such horrible names, Marimo!" yelled Sanji. "Nami swan, forgive me but we must make haste!"
"I can't carry anymore anyway," she admitted, having stuffed the beri, jewelry and other items pilfered into her jeans pockets and other places.
"Come on!" cried Sanji, wrapping his arm around her waist and running with her. This time Nami didn't protest but let Sanji carry her bridal style back to the ship, while Zoro finished off the rest of the nosy interlopers.
Sanji felt a smack to his face the minute his hand wandered to her chest. Stunned and a bit hurt he gave her his best puppy dog eyes. "Please Nami swan, why don't' we continue where…"
"I'm sorry Sanji," she cut him off, hand pressed over his mouth. "You were absolutely right."
Immediately the accusatory glare turned to the swordsman, and the cook aimed a kick at him. "Bastard, playing with her affections."
"The fuck are you on about?" Zoro got out, stopping his kick with a drawn sword. "Nami makes her own choice. So shut it."
Nami was tempted to interfere, but decided it was a lost cause. Those two would fight over anything, regardless of it was over her or someone else. Close to Sanji's face Zoro whispered, "You were the one who turned her down, so don't cry to me."
"Marimo bastard," hissed Sanji, glaring at him. Both of them were pressed together as they continued to fight. Zoro had sheathed his swords at that point, while Nami had unloaded all her spoils into a small bag.
"When you two are finished your spat, we've got a ship to catch!" she called out to them.
"This isn't over," Sanji whispered, glaring at him.
"Never is, dumbass is it?" Zoro growled, letting him go but feeling a nasty kick at his jaw. That was going to hurt like shit tonight. Fortunately, he had given Sanji a good complex of bruises of his own to nurse along with the bright welt of Nami's hand on Sanji's cheek. However, the cook was used to that by now. Instead of sulking Sanji merely walked past Zoro and snorted, lighting a cigarette. He began to remove the mooring ropes while Zoro did the same. Both of them worked quietly listening to Nami's shouted instructions.