"You can't be serious..." Nami spoke out, at the tall man.

"Of course I'm serious. You are the only one who knows their way around. It will be so easy for you."

"But a ball? Dressing up, dancing... its ridiculous." She crossed her arms, defiantly. Arlong placed his hands on her shoulders, making her flinch.

"You will go and you will steal." His grip tightened and Nami's expression suddenly turned to one of fear.

"Fine. I'll go."

It was clear she didn't have a choice in the matter. What Arlong wanted, Arlong got. So here she was, a week later and all dolled up.

Nami had never been to a ball before, in fact she hadn't even been to any kind of dance before. It had been such a long time since she had been to the castle. It was just as grand up close as she remembered.

Nami followed the crowd of people through the gate and up the stairs that lead into the grand hall. She held her blue, stripped dress up as she climbed the stairs. Looking around she felt a bit out of place. Most of the women were dressed in layers of silk and ribbon and their faces painted up. She felt so plain, her hair simply pulled to the side. But it didn't matter, she wasn't here to meet the prince.

The hall was extravagant and well decorated, already filled with people. It would be easy to sneak away here. All she needed to do was look for the treasure room. She had a good idea of where it was, although she had never seen the inside of the room before. She wasted no time, sneaking past a few very distracted guards and began wandering the dark halls.

It was quite eerie at night, just how it was when she was little. Her mother often let her roam around as she tended to the castle duties of cleaning and such. At night when she couldn't sleep or her mother was working late, Nami would sneak out and wander the halls just like she was now. It brought back so many fond memories that she had all but forgotten. Footsteps came from around the corner and it broke her daze. She pulled open a door nearby and snuck in, closing it softly behind her.

She listened for the steps to pass and fade away before sighing in relief. She glanced around the room. She knew this place. It was the library. She looked at the countless rows of books. Her fingers ran over the spines as she walked past the shelves. Nami grinned at the thought of visiting when she was younger. She would often take books with her to read, only getting caught once.

That little boy with the green hair. What ever happened to him?

Zoro was hiding behind another pillar, trying to make it across the room without being noticed. He had already been approached by a number of girls who told him how handsome he was and who asked to dance. He hated dancing. He just wanted to get out and clear his thoughts. Earlier he found his way to a balcony to get some air, but a number of madiens were out there as well. It seemed like everywhere he went there was someone trying to talk to him.. trying to get his attention.

It drove Zoro absolutley mad.

In a quick dash, Zoro ran off and down the hall. He had a perfect idea of where to go where no one would think to look for him.

Nami was completely lost in memory again. She traced the shelves until she came to the section with the navigation books. She had read them all. It looked as though there were a couple missing. She was sure they were the ones she had taken and never returned after her mother died...

Zoro opened the doors to the library and slipped in, closing them shut once he entered. They made a loud echo through the halls of the library. He gave a sad little sigh as he walked down the main hall, looking up at the stacks and stacks of books on the shelf.

The noise of the doors made her jump and she quickly ducked behind the shelf she was standing at. She pressed her back against the books, hoping she hadn't been noticed. The footsteps of the other person let her know she wasn't alone...

Zoro let out a deep sigh as he walked over to one of the benches and sat down. He held his face in his palms and let out a small shuddering breath. "I.. I don't know what to do.." he spoke outloud. He often found himself speaking aloud in the library. Part of him hoped his mother could hear him.

Were there two people here? Nami listened, hearing no reply. She peeked around the corner, looking into the darkness. There was a man sitting on one of the benches near the door. How was she supposed to escape with him there?

He let out another breath. "I don't.. want to get married.."

Zoro sucked in a deep breath and hung his head. "... but I don't want to be alone anymore.."

Who was he talking to? She continued to look at him from behind the shelf. He looked so... sad.

Nami debated on making a run for it but decided it would be best to wait in silence for him to go. He couldn't sit there forever, right? She moved herself back out of sight when a book fell from the place she had been leaning.

Zoro's head shot up at the sudden noise and his body jolted to a stand. "Whose there?!" he growled, turning to the source of the noise.

Nami covered her mouth quickly, holding her breath. How could she have been so careless!?

When no one said anything Zoro took a cautious step forward.

"I'm only going to ask you one more time.." he glared as he cautiously approached the shelf, gripping the hilt of the white sword at his side.

Nami considered her options. Maybe if she could move around the other side of the shelf...

She took a deep breath before moving. She grabbed a handful of books and threw them to the floor, moving quickly in the oposite direction, hoping it would buy her a couple of seconds.

She rounded the oposite corner of the shelf, ready to run for the door.

Zoro pulled out his blade when he heard the books clash down to the floor, he was about to jolt for the sound when he heard another softer noise..

Heels clicking against the floor.

Zoro let out an aggrivated sigh and returned his blade to his sheath. It was a woman..

Zoro sprinted forward, figuring she was heading for the door, with how long the bookshelfs were across, he would definatley beat her there.

Nami turned the corner, running for the door. She only hoped he wasn't fast enought to catch her.

Just as he had assumed, the girl was right before him in a flash. Zoro reached out and grabbed her arm before skidding to a stop.

She let out a sudden gasp as he grabbed her. She was cursing in her head for being so stupid. She never should have deviated from the plan.

"L-Let me go! I-It hurts!"

It wasn't painful at all but she knew she could always play the damsel.

Ignoring her, Zoro used his grip to twirl the woman around so she faced him. "Who are you?" he growled. "Why were you spying on me?"

"I-I wasn't spying! Please! I got lost and..." her voice trailed off as she looked back at him.

Green hair...

Zoro focused on her as she started explaining herself. He raised an eyebrow as she trailed off and took notice of her features. Her brown eyes.. and orange hair.

He blinked down at her a few times before loosening his grip on her wrist.

She continued to stare, looking directly at him. As she felt his grip loosen, she pulled her hand back, rubbing at her wrist.

She took only a second to recover and made a dash for the door. Theres no way he could have been the same little kid...

Zoro's eyes widened when he saw her take off. "W-Wait!" he called out as he chased after her.

Nami picked up her pace as she threw open the door. She ran down the hall, hoping to find another room to hide. If only she hadn't been wearing such rediculous clothes she would have been faster.

"Hold on! Wait!" Zoro called out as he ran after her. "Please! Stop!"

Nami turned for a second, looking over her shoulder. Why was he following her?!

Seeing that she wasn't stopping any time soon, Zoro picked up his speed. He wouldn't stop chasing her. Not if there was a chance she was that girl..

She got to the end of the hall and made a quick turn... a little too quickly. Her dress caught on her heel and she tripped herself.

Zoro turned with her, almost caught up to her now. Seeing she was about to fall, the prince grabbed her wrist again and pulled her toward him, into his chest.

Nami let out a quick squeel, convinced she was going to meet the floor, head on. Within a split second, she was pulled against the man's chest as he grabbed her firmly. Nami stared back at him. She wasn't getting away this time.

Zoro kept a firm grip on her arms as he looked down on her. He blushed a little seeing how close she was to him.

"I.." he started. "W-whats your name? Who are you?"

Nami breathed heavily as he held her. She didn't know what to do. If she lied it wouldn't do her very good.

"I- ah...I got lost..." She tried to convince him again.

"Have you been there before?!" he asked rather desperatley. "I-In the library I mean.."

"W-Why should I tell you! I don''t even know who you are!" Nami shouted back. "Y-You are being very rude! D-Didn't your parents ever teach you manners?"

Zoro was a bit taken aback by her comment. Was he being rude?! He didn't realize it if he was.. "I-I'm sorry.." he spoke quietly. He debated letting her go, but he was terrified she would run away again.

Well it had only half worked. He still didnt release her though

"Y-you should let me go..." Nami couldn't help but stare. His green hair...

"Please.." he begged, reaching his other hand out for her other wrist before bringing them together. "Answer me.. Please?"

"N-nami..." She spoke without thinking. "I'm Nami."

"Nami.." he repeated with a smile. "Nami.. did you ever wander around the library when you were little?"

Nami gave a half smile in return. "The little boy... from the library..." She spoke quietly.

Zoro's grin widened as his face lit up. "Y-You remember me?" he asked hopeful.

Nami couldn't believe this was happening. She hadn't thought about him for years. "I.. yeah. You were the one who caught me stealing books..."

Zoro let her wrist go and lifted his hands to her shoulders. "I-I can't believe its you! I-I never thought I would ever see you again.." he looked into her eyes as he spoke.

She never expected him to be so excited. I mean, they were just kids.

"I never really thought I'd see you again... You know. It's rude not to introduce yourself before a lady."

"I'm sorry.." Zoro chuckled taking a step back. He wasn't afraid of her running away again.. at least he hoped he didn't have to me. "I'm Prince Zoro.."

Nami blinked. "I'm sorry. I thought you said... P-prince?" Nami looked back at him, confused.

"I am.." he smiled. "My father is King Mihawk.. This party is for me"

Nami smirked before laughing loudly. "That's funny! For a second I really thought you were being serious." Nami smiled back.

Zoro frowned a bit. Did she really not believe him? "M..Miss Nami.." he looked down. "How long have you lived in this kingdom..? You.. You've really never heard of me?"

"Well, of course everyone knows about the prince. How talented and handsome and rich he is..." Nami rolled her eyes. "At least that's what everyone says." Since she was taken in by Arlong she had stayed away from the castle. She never got a chance to actually see the prince.

"It's funny. I've never actually seen him. I even lived here as a child and yet..." She remembered the green haired boy who was now standing in front of her. "How... Why are you..." She tried to make a connection, still not wanting to believe it.

He gave a small frown. "I.. I don't know what to tell you.. My name is Zoro.."

"Zo...ro..." Nami repeated his name slowly. The prince. THE prince. She felt embarassed, her face turning a bright pink as he stared at her. She took a step back and bowed before him. It was tradition and she was doing it before she even realized. She felt even more rediculous. "I... I'm sorry.."

"N-No.." he took a step forward, pulling her shoulders back up so she would look at him. "You don't have to bow to me.." He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips, kissing it softly.

Nami bit her lip nervously. The night wasn't going anything like it was supposed to. She had almost forgotten the reason she was there. She was supposed to steal. Nami felt guilty. He seemed to be such a nice gentleman. "Prince Zoro..." Nami glanced back at him as he kissed her hand. He really was charming.

"Miss Nami.." he smiled up at her. He had dreamed of her all of his life.. He never thought she would ever come back in. "..I don't.. ever want to lose you again."

If Nami's face could get any redder, it did at that moment. "I-" She was left speechless. What was this all about? Was it a trap? Nothing could be this perfect... "M-me? But.. why?"

Zoro smiled widely. "I've.. You.. I've never thought about anyone the way I think about you.." he kissed her hand again. "I used to wait for you in the library.. I waited for months.. Even when I told myself I gave up waiting for you.. I still waited. I dreamed of you most of my nights when I could sleep.. When I couldnt.. I'd count the stars to try to keep you from my mind.."

She felt his lips on her skin once more. "I-I'm nothing special... I-... My mother used to working in the castle. She was a servent." Nami shook her head. Had she really made such an impression on him?

"I don't know what it was about you.. If it was your hair or your smile.. but.. I could never get you off my mind.."

She was speechless again. How was he able to do this to her? "Prince Zoro, shouldn't you be at the ball?" She glanced away from his eyes finally.

"I don't need to be.." he shook his head. "Miss Nami.. do you have someone?"

"S-Someone?" She repeated. She was barely able to get over the fact that she was speaking with the prince and now he was asking her about her personal life? "No..." She spoke timidly.

"Miss Nami.." he smiled, taking her hand in both of his. "I know its forward to ask.. but.."

She felt her heart skip as he spoke.

"Would you marry me?" he gave her a hopeful look. "Be my Princess? I-if you become mine.. I'll give you everything I can offer.. Treasures.. Riches.. I'll make all your dreams come true.." he held her hand tightly.

She felt her knees grow weak as he proposed. Proposal... Princess? Treasure?! Nami felt like she could faint. It really was sudden.

"I... " She swallowed the lupm in her throat. What would happen if Arlong found out she hadn't stolen anything? What if she returned empty handed? Did it even matter?!

If she married a prince... then Nami sighed. Her sister. Nojiko would be in danger without her. She couldn't just abandon her to marry a prince... even if he was handsome and kind...

"I-If its too soon.. We could take it slower?" he suggested. "Get to.. know eachother better?"

"Mm... " Nami hummed in agreement, looking at the floor. She wasn't sure what to do now. If she agreed, Arlong would be furious and go for her sister. If she disagreed, she would lose the man before her.

Zoro bit his lip, a bit anxious.

"I would love to know you better..." She glance into his eyes again. She just needed some time to think. She had to come up with some sort of plan... "I need some time... I'm sorry but, I can't decided right now..." She knew any other girl would have agreed before he even asked.

Zoro bit his lip and looked down, but he understood. "I understand.." he noddedm slightly heartbroken.

He couldn't blame the girl.. they had only spoken as children for a matter of weeks.

She could see the disappointment in his face and it hurt her more than she would have expected. "It's getting late... and I should really be..." Nami didn't want to leave, especially the way he looked right then. She frowned at him, completely torn.

"W-Will I see you again?" his voice was a bit paniced as he held her hand tighter.

"Prince Zoro. I want to meet you again..." Nami spoke up.

"When? Tommorow?"

She chuckled. He was acting just like the child she remembered. "Tomorrow..." She spoke with a grin.

Zoro smiled at this. "Alright.. Tommorow.."

Nami wasn't fully sure she would be able to come back. She needed Arlongs approval.

"You can come at anytime! I'll wait in the library for you from sunrise till sunset if I have too.."

She chuckled again. "You really waited for me?"

"I did.. and I will.." he kissed her hand again. "I always will.."

It took everything in her to resist him. She wanted to accept his offer right then and there...

"You promise you'll come back?" he asked quietly.

"I- I promise..."

Zoro smiled and released her hand. "Alright.. I'll wait for you then.."

It was never a problem to lie to anyone before, especially to men. But this was different. She didn't know if she could truely return. Nami pulled her hand back slowly, holding it close to her chest.

"Until tomorrow, Prince Zoro..."

She took a step back to leave.

Zoro smiled as he watched her walk off.

With a final glance, she smiled as she turned the corner, heading for the exit. Her mind was a mess. She had always been so clear headed but now... She felt so lost. She was halfway home when she realized she had never even stolen a thing. If Arlong was mad at anything, it would be that she had just messed up an opprotunity like this...

Zoro turned around and walked in the opposite direction, deciding to head to his room for the night. It was still fairly early and the party had only begun, but his fathers mission was accomplished. Zoro found the person he wanted to marry.