I had a bit of Writer's Block, but wanted to do something with Nami. This happened. Whoops.
Also, I don't own One Piece. I do have quite a bit of paraphernalia, but the actual series? Ha. Only in my dreams.
Please Enjoy!
While they were few and far between, Nami still had nightmares of her time with Arlong.
Often, she would find herself crying, clutching on to Luffy's beloved hat like a life line, and watching helplessly as Arlong mutilated her nakama one by one, laughing as he tore her heart out of her chest.
Those dreams were the worst.
Sometimes, she was locked in a room, forced to redraw the same map over and over again, until her eyes were as heavy as a fruit user in water and she was sure her hand would fall right off.
Back then she was a caged bird, kept in a cold prison only for the amusement of an even colder master. She would long to be free, but whatever she found happiness in was snatched away from her by cruel hands.
It was different now, so very different.
She woke to find Robin reading, her quiet, yet sturdy presence a constant source of comfort. Nami knew she could always find guidance and knowledge in Robin.
As the morning began there was no foreboding silence lingering over the deck, but joyous melodies that Brooke's talented fingers produced. Laughter rang out, filling Nami with warmth that she couldn't explain. She could smell the delicious food Sanji was painstakingly making, and she could her the chatter of her nakama as the waited for her to join them.
Nakama.
That was what she had missed with Arlong. She was never truly one of them, never truly belonged.
Here she was needed, not for her navigational abilities, but she was needed because she was Nami. Their Nami, whom they loved, whom they accepted, and whom this crazy band of misfits called family.
And do you know what?
She loved them all back.