Author's note: Hey everyone, happy holidays! I was gonna save this chapter for Christmas, but I find that I can't wait that long. Its so full of emotions and I've written so much to it that I hope you all like.
Honestly, there's only one last thing I can say...
You are Cordially Invited to the wedding of
Monkey D. Luffy & Nami
Read, Review, & Enjoy!
One Piece: Straw Hat Family
Last time on One Piece: Straw Hat Family,
Though the Straw Hats had been tricked and captured, they were saved by an unlikely person, Marine Commodore Smoker. The Marine allowed the crew to leave though not without giving them a warning…
"If I see that girl again, and she's crying because of your recklessness, I will liberate her from you. Is that clear?"
Meanwhile, Mika had found Akio and Yuuka though not before fighting with the former and the latter stopping them both. When Mika finally reunited with the Straw Hats, Yuuka and Akio followed with her.
"Please forgive my son. I know what he did was awful, but he's just a child. He was only doing what he thought was right for me. If he must be punished, please let me take it in his place."
Moved by her plea, the Straw Hats forgave Akio, though Mika did not. The Straw Hats returned with Yuuka and Akio for the former to have a medical exam from Chopper. Meanwhile, Mika and Akio played a harsh game of tag that turned into a fun tour lead by Mika. And by the end of it…
"I'm sorry…"
"It's okay, you did it to help your mom." Mika said smiling brightly. "And I'm sorry for being mad at you for a while…"
They made up and became friends. But unfortunately, there was grave news ahead…
"Ms. Yuuka," Chopper spoke sadly but calmly, "you're…dying..."
How will everyone take the news? Especially young Akio and Mika. What will everyone do? Find out, now!
We Are Gathered Here Today!
The Marriage of Monkey D. Luffy and Nami
It seemed like hours for Yuuka, but it was only just a few minutes after she had heard the news from Doctor Chopper. She stayed seated on the bed as she processed the information. At first, she could not believe the young doctor. There was no way could be accurate.
"You…You can't be serious…"
Still frowning sadly, Chopper shook his head. "I'm sorry," he spoke, "but the results don't lie. You only have three days to live."
"That can't be true." Yuuka said her voice raising slightly. "I've been to the local doctor several times. He said I was fine."
"It's a very particular disease you have," Chopper stated sadly. "The symptoms can be treated for a while, but they can't cure the initial disease."
"Isn't there anything you can do?" Yuuka asked pleading softly.
Chopper frowned. "I could whip up something that could give you a little bit more time, but any strenuous work will completely undo it. All I can recommend is to not place anymore stress on yourself and relax. It may just aggravate it further."
"Relax!" Yuuka said loudly in a sudden moment of anger that frightened the young doctor. Despite looking angry, she was also shedding tears. Her emotions were running wild. "How can I be relaxed knowing I'm going to die, leaving my son all on his own in this world? How can I relax at all?!"
"Ms. Yuuka!" Chopper shouted trying to calm the hysterical woman down.
Though still angry, Yuuka immediately went silent. Being caught off guard by the reindeer's shout, it gave the young woman a moment of clarity. Suddenly, her anger evaporated and was replaced with regret and sadness. "I'm sorry…" Yuuka said as she recoiled from her own behavior and began to cry, "I'm so sorry…"
Chopper did not say anything. He was not at all mad of the woman. He understood that she was in grieving and it was typical for one to get angry. Since she had apologized, it meant that her mind had come to terms with her condition. At least, somewhat. Now came the difficult part for Chopper.
"Ms. Yuuka," Chopper spoke calmly, "is there anyone I can inform? Like family or friends?"
Yuuka did not say a thing. She only shook her head no.
Chopper gulped looking even worse. 'What will happen to Akio then?' He thought worriedly. With Yuuka not having any family or friends to speak of, Chopper bravely decided on another option.
"May I…" he said stopping for a moment feeling nervous before forcing his question through, "may I inform my crew?"
Not to his surprise, Yuuka could not respond. She was continued to cry.
Chopper frowned sadly. Since Yuuka could not clearly respond, he decided to inform his crew anyway. 'Someone has to know…' He reasoned to himself. The reindeer then slipped off his chair and proceeded to walk out of the room. Doing so quietly as to give the woman her moment. Now, he had the hard duty to tell the others the bad news.
Now outside, Chopper looked out to see that everyone was out on the deck and that all the crew was looking over at Mika and Akio, both laying on the grass laughing. If he was not feeling conflicted before, he was really feeling it now. 'What am I going to do?' He thought worriedly.
While nearly everyone was distracted by the two kids playing, Nami had taken a moment to look up towards medical bay to see if Chopper was done. To her surprise, Chopper was already out and looking down at the group. "Chop…" Nami was about to call to the reindeer but then, she noticed his expression mixed sadness, nervousness, and completely conflicted. Immediately, she understood that something was wrong.
Unfortunately, her short blurb had attracted everyone's attention.
"Hey, Chopper!" Luffy shouted cheerfully. "You done already? Did you help Ms. Yuuka?""
Chopper gasped caught completely by surprise.
"Wait, Luffy…" Nami said trying calm her lover down.
Hearing the pirate captain, Akio and Mika sat up. The young boy looked up towards the doctor and stood up looking hopeful. "Is my mom okay?" he asked curiously.
"Of course she is!" Mika stated enthusiastically as she stood up. "Uncle Chopper is the best doctor ever!"
"Mika…" Nami said too late to stop her.
Chopper gulped nervously. His situation was starting to get worst by the second.
"What's up, Chopper?" asked Sanji interestingly noticing the nervous expression on the doctor's face.
"Give us the super news, Gorilla-Reindeer!" shouted Franky enthusiastic.
"Yes," Brook said politely, "please tell us."
"Yeah!" Usopp said cheering optimistically.
If Chopper was not feeling bad earlier, he was sure feeling it now. Chopper frowned as he could not bring himself to speak again. What could he say to everyone? Especially with the children here.
Luckily, one of the more observant members picked up on Chopper's worries. Robin turned to the kids and spoke, "Mika, Akio, how about we head over to the library."
"Huh?" said the children confused.
"Why?" Mika asked curiously.
"A number of reasons actually," Robin said smiling, "you see, there are certain things that only adults should hear first when it comes to medical practices. Usually just advice. I thought, since you two wouldn't want to hear boring adult stuff, I would show you this new book I bought. It is very interesting."
Mika immediately bought Robin's statement. She smiled and nodded eagerly, "Okay!"
"Um," Akio said not completely sure if he actually wanted to join them, "but Mom…"
"Come on, Akio!" Mika said before taking his arm and pulling. "Auntie Robin has the best story books!"
Akio was completely unable to argue back before Mika began pulling towards the library. Robin followed behind them amused by her little niece's enthusiasm. She was also thankful for it since it was able remove the children from this potentially touchy situation.
"Oi!" shouted Sanji towards Akio irritated. "You better keep your hands to yourself."
Usopp gave Sanji a light backhand to his arm as if trying to knock some sense into him. "He's too young for that stuff, Sanji."
When the Robin and the children were gone, Usopp decided to ask a question. "Um, so, why is it the kids needed to leave?"
Zoro answered, "Because Chopper has something to say…"
"Huh?" said Luffy before looking over at Chopper. "Well, of course he does. He's going to tell us that Ms. Yuuka is fine, right?"
Chopper remained silent frowning. In response, the rest of the crew went silent. Those who were originally optimistic had lost their optimism. They were all beginning to realize that what Chopper had to say was anything but good. Many of them were shocked but oddly, Luffy looked so the most.
"Chopper," Luffy said, "tell us."
The young reindeer nodded. "It's not good, guys…"
It was now nighttime, and everyone aboard the Thousand Sunny seemed to be asleep. Still in the medical room, Yuuka had fallen asleep and left there out of courtesy. Despite looking peaceful sleeping, the poor woman clearly had sadness etched on her face. It is most likely that she had cried herself to sleep. But now, she was beginning to wake up.
Yuuka woke up peacefully. She was slightly disorientated as she sat up on the bed. As her head cleared and her mind begin working properly, she was confused as to where she was. It then dawned upon her that she was still in Chopper's medical room. Immediately after realizing this, Yuuka remembered the terrible news she received.
'I'm dying…' Yuuka frowned recalling this painful fact. She decided she no longer wanted to sleep. She left the medical room and began taking a stroll around the deck.
As she walked, she marveled at what a beautiful night it was this night. She followed along the edge of the Sunny keeping to the side facing the ocean. The full moon's light was glistening off the calm ocean. Despite her own situation, Yuuka could not help but smile seeing this beautiful sight. It reminded her of better times in her short life.
The young, sick woman kept walking, going down the stairs, and onto the grass deck. She noticed that there was something on the deck. Her curiosity brought her over to the object to find that it was white-painted, wood canopy. Yuuka wondered why this was here; it seemed completely out of place.
"…They just wanted to have a marriage celebration thingy…"
Yuuka recalled what Mika had said earlier. She was then able to put two and two together. "A wedding canopy…" She said surprised. As she looked at the well-made canopy, she began to smile with nostalgia.
While Yuuka stood before the canopy, a door began to open. Nami quietly exited hers and Luffy's room. She then walked out and leaned into the banister breathing out a sigh. She looked to have went through an ordeal. When she looked out towards the deck she spotted Yuuka in front of the canopy. Immediately, she was curious.
"Ms. Yuuka?"
Yuuka gasped hearing someone speak. She turned around and spotted Nami. "Oh, Nami," she said surprised, "I thought everyone was asleep?"
"For the most part." Nami said as she began to walk down towards Yuuka. "I've had rough night talking with Luffy."
"Is something wrong?"
"He's…" Nami said sounding slightly hesitant, "he's just had a bad memory." She said frowning. "This situation hasn't been good for everyone."
Yuuka immediately began to worry. "What about Akio?"
"Neither he or Mika know…"
Yuuka was a little relieved to hear this. She did not want her son to be sad just yet. Not after he was finally beginning to enjoy himself with a new friend.
"Where are they?" She asked.
"Mika has a room below deck…"
A momentary pause as we check in on the two tykes. Like most everyone on the Sunny, they were asleep; however, nearly everyone but Luffy and Robin were sleeping with them. At some point, Mika had gotten nearly everyone to join her and Akio for a sleepover. The men laid all around the room in odd sleeping positions sleeping peacefully. Most of them were snoring as well. Oddly, no one was actually using the bed. In the middle of this, Mika and Akio were both sleeping on the floor, with blankets and pillows, sprawled out. Mika was snoring peacefully with her hand smashing into Akio's face. Surprisingly, the boy seem to be sleeping peacefully despite his new friend's sleeping position.
"…having a sleepover with the rest of the crew." Nami said with exasperated sigh.
Yuuka gasped a little with surprise, but smiled seeing how friendly this band of rogues was being. Her attention then returned back to the canopy and her thoughts of a wedding. She looked back at Nami wearing a curious look. "So," she said, "who is it getting married?"
Nami looked a little nervous, but she replied. "It's mine and Luffy's. We were going to have it today but," Nami flashed an awkward smile "…you know."
"I'm terribly sorry." Yuuka said apologetic.
"It's okay," Nami said now smiling appreciative of the apology, "who ever heard of pirates getting married anyways."
"Now don't say that." Yuuka said before smiling supportively. "Everyone has the right to be happy however they may find it. If you want to have this wedding, and everything is ready, you should do it immediately."
Nami looked at the older woman surprised. "But Ms. Yuuka…"
"My situation is bad," Yuuka said placing her hand gently on Nami's shoulder, "but that shouldn't ruin your happy day."
While Nami did have her concerns over Yuuka's suggestion, but in seeing how strongly Yuuka was supporting her she had to agree. "Alright," she said smiling, "we'll have the wedding in the morning."
Yuuka smiled and nodded in agreement. "Good. I look forward to seeing you in a beautiful wedding dress and getting married."
Nami giggled enjoyed the attention from the older mother. "Yeah, though you'll have to do without a wedding dress."
"Oh?" Yuuka said surprised.
"I couldn't find a dress before the Marines chased us out of town. I do have some other nice clothes though. Should be fine, right?"
Despite Nami's carefree attitude, Yuuka still looked concerned. It was not as if she did not agree with her, but she felt a little sad that this beautiful, young woman could not look her best even for a small wedding. 'Just like ours, Daisuke…' She thought fondly to herself. In remembering these memories, Yuuka realized something important and began smiling.
"Ms. Yuuka?" asked Nami curious.
"My word," Yuuka said acting slightly stern towards Nami, "what is a young bride like you doing up this late."
"Huh?" Nami said surprised.
Yuuka soon began pushing the younger woman back towards her room. "The bride shouldn't be looking tired on her wedding day. You go right back to bed, young ma'am."
"What?"
"Off to bed now." Yuuka said as she gave Nami one last, light push towards the stair.
"Um," Nami said confused before she began walking by herself. Before walking up the stairs, Nami looked back at Yuuka still confused despite obeying her. "Okay then, good…night," she replied to older woman.
"Good night." Yuuka replied back happily.
Though still very confused, Nami returned to her to her room. Once the door was closed, Yuuka looked over towards the forest and the island. She wore a determined expression and began walking toward the edge of the Thousand Sunny. She stopped momentarily as she recalled what Chopper had said earlier…
"…All I can recommend is to not place anymore stress on yourself and relax. It may just aggravate it further…"
As she reached the gangplank, she stopped. Recalling that made her hesitant to take another step. They were quite far away from her home. Was it worth the risk? She clenched her fists as she made her decision. She took a step forward onto the gangplank left there by the Straw Hat crew. From there, she walked down the gangplank. She then walked onto the island and then sprinted into the dark forest. Determination was etched into her expression.
What was so important that she would risk her health for?
In the morning, everyone awoke and met in the dining room for breakfast. Even Yuuka, who had returned by morning was there able to greet her son. She looked a little tired, but her cheerfulness seem to easily cover anything concerning. Akio was definitely none the wiser to it.
"Morning, Mom." Akio said happily.
Yuuka smiled at her son. "Good morning, Akio."
"Morning, Ms. Yuuka!" Mika said loudly and just as happy with a grin.
This time, Yuuka reacted with a soft laugh enjoying the little girl's energy once again. "And good morning to you, Mika."
"How was the sleepover, fellas?" asked Robin being curious.
"Yeah!" Chopper said cheerfully. "It was fun."
Usopp rubbed his like it was sore. He then responded, "I think I was sleeping on a toy or something. My neck is killing me."
Zoro yawned. "I slept fine."
It was Sanji's turn, and he gave Nami a military salute looking serious. "Mika-hime was safely protected, Nami."
Nami rolled her eyes at Sanji. Like her daughter would be in any trouble, but she knew it was the thought that counts. "Thanks, Sanji."
"Ah~, thank you, Nami~!" Sanji said immediately overjoyed in being complimented.
"Sanji!" shouted Luffy impatiently. "Food!"
Sanji immediately return to his usual calm demeanor. He responded back, "Right, right…" before heading into the kitchen to make breakfast.
"We had a super night." Franky said with a grin and thumbs up.
"Yes, though it seemed nearly impossible to get Mika to go to sleep with so many of us with her." Brook said before laughing lightheartedly.
"But you're not supposed to go to sleep at sleepovers," Mika stated before pointing, "that's what Uncle Usopp said."
Akio looked over at Mika dryly. "I think that defeats the point of a sleepover."
In response, Mika stuck her tongue out at the boy. "What do you know? You're not the Sleepover King like Uncle Usopp."
"Yeah!" Usopp said proudly with his ego being boasted by his niece. Chopper also cheered out the same agreeing with Mika.
Akio was not buying it. "You do know that he's lying, right?"
"What?!" shouted both Mika and Chopper shocked.
"Shouldn't you know as an adult?" responded Akio towards the reindeer.
Yuuka laughed enjoying the lively atmosphere. She had never experienced company like this before. It was so fun for her. She had never seen her son act this way before, but she was enjoying it.
In seeing the older woman looking cheerful, Nami smiled and decided now was a good time to announce something important. "Everyone," Nami said loudly thus gaining everyone's attention, "I have an announcement to make."
"Huh? What is it, Nami?" asked Luffy confused.
"Today, we're doing the wedding and nothing is going to stop it."
"Eh?!" said nearly the entire group, mostly from the crew, shocked.
Akio leaned over to Mika looking confused. "What's a wedding?" he asked whispering.
"Something parents do so that they'll stay together forever." Mika replied also whispering.
"Oh…"
"But Nami," spoke up Usopp sounding nervous, "isn't it a bit…soon to be doing this" He said this while glancing over at Yuuka, who was simply smiling with joy over the announcement.
Nami understood what Usopp was trying to say. Nevertheless, she shook her head and responded, "No, now is the perfect time."
"Nami…" said Sanji slightly concerned.
"I think it's a wonderful idea." A few of the Straw Hats looked shocked as they heard Yuuka's voice speak up. The young woman continued smiling and was looking even happier. "I would love to see the wedding."
"Okay!" Luffy said grinning happily. "Let's do this then, captain's orders."
"Well, if the captain agrees…" Robin said smiling amusedly.
"No use arguing really." Sanji said grinning while he cooked.
Zoro chuckled and grin. "Well, it had to happen sometime…"
While little surprised by Yuuka's acceptance of this idea, Usopp just let his concerns roll off his shoulders. He smiled as he became joyful. "Alright then, let the wedding of Monkey D. Luffy, the future Pirate King, and Nami, eventual drawer of the greatest World Map, begin!"
"Yeah!" shouted Chopper and Mika together excited.
"Super!" shouted Franky also excited.
"Yohohoho! Excellent!" shouted Brook overjoyed.
"Mama…" Mika spoke looking up at her mother. She had a very displeased expression as she asked her mother, "Do I still hafta where a dress?"
Nami sighed though still retaining a smile. "No, you don't…"
"Yay!" Mika cheered with a wide grin. Her shout made every adult laugh.
The group soon had breakfast and once done, everyone got ready for the wedding. For the most part, everything was ready. They only thing missing was for Nami to get dressed up for the occasion. Currently, she and all the women were in hers and Luffy's room. Mika had so bluntly stated she was not interested in "being girly", much to the despair of Sanji, and remained with the others. Yuuka however was a good substitution.
In the Luffy and Nami's room, Nami was having Robin help her with preparations. It was not much just some make-up and a second opinion, but Nami wanted it for better or worse. Yuuka sat on the bed providing conversation and her own experience to the preparation. As for her what she was going to where, Nami had chosen the one Robin had approved of; her fifth outfit during their adventure on Thriller Bark.
Robin soon finished up the little touches to Nami's face. She backed up to get a second look before smiling. "There," she said proudly, "you look beautiful, Nami."
"You truly do." Yuuka added warmly.
Nami took a look at herself in the mirror. Robin did not apply much make-up, but there was an obvious and noticeable differences. Ones she liked. After checking side to side, she smiled and looked at her crewmate. "Thank you, Robin," she said in gratitude, "it's perfect."
"Even without the wedding dress?" asked Yuuka coyly.
"I don't really need the dress anyway." Nami said smiling genuinely. "This will still be one of the best days of my life."
"I'm happy that you feel that way Nami," Yuuka said smiling before standing up, "but I feel even if this is a small event that you should still look your best."
"What are you…?" Nami spoke as she watched the older woman suddenly pull out a folded white dress. She immediately gasped in surprised. "Ms. Yuuka…"
"Nami," Yuuka spoke holding out the white dress towards the younger woman, "it's a little old, but I want you to have this."
Nami looked at Yuuka surprised. "What…"
"Go on." Yuuka said gently as she continued to hold the dress out.
Not wanting to be rude, Nami took the dress. She held up the dress letting it unfurl down to see it in full, and she was amazed by it. The dress was simple in design, a strapless tulle with a lace applique, there was an elegance to it that was breathtaking. Though Yuuka had informed her that it was old and worn, she would have believed that this wedding dress was brand new. She turned around with the dress to view it in perspective in the mirror. Seeing herself and the dress together, she was absolutely speechless.
"It looks beautiful." Robin commented with a smile.
"Thank you." Yuuka said humbly.
"Ms. Yuuka…" Nami said astonished.
"It may be a little big," Yuuka said as she walked next to Nami looking at her and the dress in the mirror, "but I'm sure I can make fit you."
"I…" Nami said but could not. She was so touched by the gestured from the older woman she almost began to cry. She instead smiled and nodded replying back emotional, "Thank you."
Yuuka smiled back. She was happy to have helped.
Robin on the other hand looked very concerned. "Ms. Yuuka," she spoke, "when did you bring this dress aboard?"
"I went out and brought it here." Yuuka said casual.
Nami gasped. "Ms. Yuuka…!"
"Please don't worry," Yuuka said calmly, "I'm fine really."
"If you say so…" Nami said unsure.
"I do, now hold still while a fix this dress."
"Well then," Robin spoke as she began to leave, "I better make sure the groom has his suit."
"Good idea." Yuuka said in agreement.
Robin then left the room. She could hear Yuuka's plans for Nami as she shut door. It seemed to involve some 'flowers', something she could approve of. She then headed down to the others on the grass deck. She could see that they were currently in waiting.
"Hey, Robin!" called out Usopp noticing the woman coming towards them. "Is Nami ready yet?"
When she reached the bottom of the stairs, Robin answered. "No, she will need a little more time."
"Really? How come?" asked Usopp.
"Ms. Yuuka has provided her with a wedding dress."
"Wow," said Usopp amazed, "how nice of her."
Akio looked confused. "Mom had a wedding dress?"
"What about a dress?" Luffy asked curious.
"Luffy," spoke Robin to her captain smile, "you should get your suit on."
"Aw, do I have to?"
Robin chuckled. "I believe you know the answer to that."
Luffy sighed and nodded. "Right, I'm going." He said before heading towards the men's quarters.
"I'll go help him." Sanji said coolly as he followed behind Luffy.
As Robin watched the two men go, she felt a tug from her shirt. She looked down and saw Mika holding her shirt. The young girl was looking up at her with curious eyes. She asked, "What is it, Mika?"
"Do I still hafta be the flower girl?"
"She didn't say otherwise so I would think so."
"Aw, man." Mika said before crossing her arms and pouting with disdain.
Robin felt a little bad for her little niece. Though she knew the little girl would get over it, she decided on another option. "Mika," she spoke softly, "would you like to make a compromise?"
"Huh?"
Luffy was the first one to step out of his room. He was a wearing a very nice black suit with a red undershirt and black tie (STRONG WORLD outfit minus coat) thought still wearing his sandals. He immediately took his place in front of Zoro soon followed by everyone standing behind him. With the exception of Yuuka who was given a chair to sit on. Everything and everyone were positioned just in front of stairs making it a rough straight line Only Brook, who stood to the side ready to play his violin, Mika, who was standing near the stairs close to parent's room, and Sanji, standing by the room, were the only ones not joining them for one reason or another.
As he stood attentively, Sanji soon heard the door open. He turned to see Nami only to be completely caught off guard by her. Nami stepped out of the dark room revealing all the preparation and time that Robin and Yuuka to make her so beautiful. Her white dress fit her body like destiny thanks to Yuuka's hard work. The vail that thinly covered her face could not mask the beautiful smile she wore that even outperformed the little make-up applied to it. In her hands was a bouquet of white, lily flowers that looked like the stars themselves. She was more beautiful in this one moment then she had in any moment previous, including when she had once already been in a wedding dress. That moment specifically paled to this.
As she stepped out, Nami looked at Sanji, now gaping in amazement, and asked, "So? How do I look?"
Sanji frankly could barely speak. Every ounce of his being wanted to proclaim his love, a love for all beautiful women, to the heavens themselves and swoop her off her feet. However, as a man, he knew she was not his to take. So instead of his usual act, Sanji smiled warmly as he extend his hand towards saying, "Luffy won't be able to take his eyes off you for a second."
While a little surprised by Sanji's calm answer, she did accept his answer with her own smile. She then took his hand and was lead down the stairs.
At this moment, everyone noticed Nami had finally stepped out. Every last one of the Straw Hats were completely and utterly stunned by Nami.
"Wow…" said Usopp nearly speechless.
Franky lifted his sunglasses staring at Nami stunned. "Girly looks…"
"Super." Chopper said finishing Franky's sentence with amazement.
"Yeah."
Brook even began to cry. "Oh, what a beautiful moment!" The skeleton said through his tears. "To think I would live to see such a lovely moment between two of my crewmates." And to everyone's surprise, he left it at that. This moment was too precious for jokes, even by him.
Robin did not say a thing. She was smiling softly overjoyed by how beautiful the girl was. In a rare show of emotions, she was even shedding a soft tear.
Yuuka covered her mouth in joy as her own tears of joy flowed more freely than Robin's. Despite having helped with Nami's dress, she found it even more beautiful than just a few minutes ago. And Yuuka could not be happier for it.
Even Akio, despite being so young, was completely captivated by the sight. "Whoa…"
Luffy, just as Sanji had said, had his eyes were completely on Nami. For once, everything to him that mattered such as his next meal and even being King of the Pirates no longer was for this single moment in his life. Now, even more so than before, he thought of Nami, how beautiful she was, how important she was to him, and how they – himself, Nami, and Mika – would continue moving on as a family with their crew-friends-family to achieve their dreams and goals. And discover them as well.
"Luffy…" The young captain heard Zoro, but he could not look away from Nami. "You found a good woman…"
Nearly absently, Luffy nodded his head though still staring at Nami. "Thanks."
Zoro's smile grew slightly. He never would have thought Luffy could be more dumbfounded than now.
When Nami finally reached the bottom of the stairs, Mika immediately greeted her. "Mama!" she said sounding amazed and cheerful. "You look sooo pretty."
Nami smiled brightly, even more so, and bent down to her daughter's height. "Thank you, sweetie. " She said happily. "So do you."
"Even without a dress?"
"Especially." Nami said before wrapping Mika in a hug while keeping the flowers in hand. Her daughter immediately recuperated the same.
When they broke however, Nami's changed to confusion as she noticed something off about Mika. "Where is your flower basket?" she asked.
Mika grinned proudly. "Auntie Robin said she would do the flowers…" She then pulled up a pillow from behind her back. On it were the two rings that would bind Luffy and Nami together. The little girl then proudly spoke, "Now I get to be the cool ring bearer!"
While Nami was initially surprised by the sudden change-up, she did not let it anger her. Or more accurately, she could not be anger. Even if this was not what she wanted for her daughter, Nami valued that Mika still wanted to be apart of the ceremony. And that is all that really mattered.
"Well then, my cool, little ring-bearing daughter…" Nami said as she stood back up smiling and placing her arm around Sanji's arm, "you better start heading towards Daddy."
Mika grinned and nodded happily. "Okay!" She shouted before she began walk forward.
Then, it was Robin's cue to do her part. "Ocho Fleur." She said softly as she crossed her arms.
Eight of her arms soon appeared on the side of the aisle and eventual Nami and Sanji where Mika would walk by. As Mika began walking down the aisle, Robin had her extra limbs bursts into flower petals in front of the little girl two at a time. Nami watched this unfold and she, admittedly, found it much more enjoyable than just having her daughter do it herself.
As Nami watched Mika reach the end, she noticed that she was not going over to stand with the others. Instead, she went up to Luffy. The two of them seem to have a little moment where the hugged and then Mika joined next to Zoro's side. Apparently, the girl really wanted to be a part of the ceremony.
"Oh Mika…" Nami said to herself smiling warmly.
Then, Brook began to play his violin. Yuuka stood up and joined the others standing and looking at Nami. Everyone stood at attention.
'This is it…' Nami thought to herself happily.
Nami and Sanji began walking down the aisle. As they did, Nami looked at each and every one of her crewmates and friends. Everyone was smiling towards, each happy for her, as she did to them, thankful for joining such a wonderful crew. The two of them walked all the way down until just before meeting Luffy. Then, Sanji bent down slight and took Nami's hand giving her a chaste kiss before standing up. He then looked over to Luffy, smiling.
"I don't think there's anything for me to say that I know you won't already do for Nami."
Luffy smiled and nodded.
Sanji accepted this and took his leave. He joined with the rest of the crew standing between Robin and Yuuka and watched the rest of the ceremony.
Nami smiled towards Sanji appreciating his words before looking forward. She only took one step forward before already being right next to her husband-to-be. While still facing forward, Nami gave Luffy a comment. "You look handsome, Luffy."
Luffy blushed slight before chuckling and grinning. "And you look really, really beautiful, Nami."
Nami blushed slightly looking very happy.
"Alright," Zoro said as he returned to his usual grumpy mood, "let's get this over with."
Brook immediately stopped playing,
"Dearly…" Zoro paused as he tried to remember the next part "…betrothed."
Immediately, Sanji shouted in rage, "Get your lines right you stupid Moss-head!"
"Shut up, Dart Brow!"
"S-Sanji." Usopp said holding the enraged chef back with Chopper, now in Heavy Point.
Everyone else kept their calm, especially Nami who was definitely annoyed by the sudden outburst. She forced a smile as she looked directly and Zoro and ordered tensely, "Please continue, Zoro."
In seeing Nami's expression, Zoro quickly returned to form as he continued with the ceremony. "Dearly beloved…"
"Finally!"
"Shhh! Sanji!"
"Forget it." Zoro said as he could not clearly remember his lines.
"We are all here today to celebrate the marriage of our captain, Monkey D. Luffy, and the navigator of the Straw Hat pirates, Nami. As the first member of the crew, I was there when she first joined. I didn't think she was trustworthy at the time, but I eventually came to see her as our one and only navigator as well. I would also like to say, again, about damn time."
"Oi!" Nami said starting to lose her patience.
"Anyway, if you two want to say anything to each other, say so now."
"I do." Nami said as she turned to Luffy, him doing the same. "Luffy… when we met, I only wanted to use you for my own gain. I overlooked your otherwise nice personality and saw you as a bad person because you were a pirate. If I could, I think I would slap myself for that line of thinking."
Luffy remained silent.
"But as he traveled together, I saw the real you. A brave, often reckless, man who would always do what's right in your own way. Whether that meant just beating someone up or waiting for a foolish girl to ask for help. You've done so much me; saving my village, getting me to a doctor, bringing me on wild adventures, blessing me with a wonderful daughter. I don't think I can ever repay you for that. You may think you have a debt with me but honestly, I have more of one to you."
"Nami…"
"But that's not why I'm marrying you." Nami continued. "I'm marrying you because you never gave up on the foolish girl who had nearly given up on saving her village. For the man who would risk his life for any of his crew and who in turn would risk there's for him. A man who can be so selfish that he's actually helping others unknowingly. The man who loves his family, even if is a weird one. For trusting me with not just one, but two of his precious treasures. And most importantly, for the man I fell in love with. I love you so much. I would be honored to be your wife and one day your queen. I will always be your navigator."
There was a small pause as everyone let Nami's words sink in. Everyone was smiling, some even slightly crying, as they were touched by her words. Now, it was Luffy's turn.
"Nami," Luffy said smiling softly before turning it into a grin, "I love you."
It was short but if you think about it, this simple, mundane, phrase meant so much more to the couple. "I" meaning Luffy, "love" one of the most powerful emotions felt by mankind, and the most important of all "you" meaning Nami and only Nami. In this one sentence, Luffy conveyed everything;
He loved Nami for her skills, for which she used to help and aid himself, his daughter, and crew with.
He loved Nami as his crewmate and friend, who would never turn on them.
He loved Nami as the mother of his child, for though it was an experience neither of them knew much on, she always did her best.
He loved her even when she gets angry at him because even then, she was still looking out for him.
He loved her greedy side which tended to make many quiver in fear, as she always made sure to use the money to help out the crew.
He loved her as a woman and a lover, as there are somethings that only those close together can convey to each other openly and support each other from now until they die.
Simply put it, what Luffy is saying is, "I love you, all of you, Nami."
But would Nami understand that? Could she understand the layers of deepness hidden in a common phrase used by every couple everywhere?
Yes, yes she did. In just hearing those words, those simple words, Nami could feel all that Luffy could and would convey. She nearly teared up just thinking about it all. Not even hesitating for a moment, Nami hugged Luffy almost breaking her bouquet. It surprised him, but Luffy graciously hugged her back.
"Awhoo!" cheered out Usopp as he and everyone started clapping and cheering. They had not even been married yet, but they could not help cheering them on.
"Alright, alright, let's finish this up." Zoro said interrupting the moment.
Everyone soon calmed down, Luffy and Nami soon separated. They both flashed a loving and caring smile towards each other before turning to Zoro. Now, it was time to finish this ceremony.
"Now then, if there isn't anyone stupid enough to try and object…" Zoro paused for a moment knowing full well no one would speak up. He then turned and addressed Mika. "Give them the rings."
Mika immediately did so. She walked up right in front of Zoro and held up the rings to her parents.
"Thank you, Mika." Nami said smiling as she took the ring for the husband.
"Thanks." Luffy said with a grin as he took the ring for the wife.
With the rings gone, Mika took a step back and joined by Zoro's side. She did not want to miss this.
After Luffy and Nami slipped the rings onto each other, they stood hand in hand continuing to face each other.
"Then by the power granted to me by our captain," Zoro said loudly and proudly for everyone to hear, "I declare these two, husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
Luffy grinned brightly as he flipped the vail off Nami's face. With both of them smiling, the came together right in the middle and kissed.
Immediately, nearly all the men in the room whooped and hallowed and cheered as the union was finally official. Brook began playing music again, though now in cheerful celebration of the happy union. Yuuka and Robin simply clapped cheering on the couple in their own way. Akio was doing the same though only because his mother was doing so as well. In reality, he thought the kissing was gross. Zoro just stood before the couple smiling proudly and equally as joyful as the rest of the crew. And though Mika thought the kissing was a little gross, she was far happier than anyone in the crew seeing how much her parents loved each other.
Luffy and Nami soon broke off the kiss. They looked at each other and flashed happy grins towards each other. While holding hands, the two newly married couple turned to face the crowd basking in their cheer and admiration. Suddenly, they both felt a little hand on top of theirs. They looked down to see Mika, grinning. She seemed to have wanted to join them. Without hesitation, the couple's hands broke apart only to now join them with Mika's hands. The adults raised their hands slightly high with Mika's hands in tow as they showed to everyone the officially complete Monkey D. family, and everyone cheered.
The union of Monkey D. Luffy and Nami was now complete.
TO BE CONTINUED…