Title: Of Dreams and Desires
Pairings: Smoker x Ace, Sanji x Zoro, and other side pairings
Ratings: T - NC-17
Chapter: 37 of ?
Summary: The road to One Piece is a dangerous one and each individual begins at different times and places. Some paths cross for a fleeting moment but the encounter could be so great that it can alter the initial direction. Every meeting is important and is planned by the souls long before the bodies see each other. Follow everyone's story and see what path they take.
Disclaimer: I do not make any profit from this story; all props go to Eiichiro Oda.
Author Note: A very short chapter guys, sorry. We are getting close to a pivotal point in the story and I hope everyone is enjoying it so far.
Shout Outs: Thank you to the Gol D Ace community for adding my story.
Beta Reader: descriptionsalive21, thank you so much!

Mikan Nami

Light brown eyes memorized the plaques adorning the hotel's customer service wall. Freshly manicured nails tapped against the polished surface and an impatient sigh was pulled from the orange haired woman.

Nami tapped the clapper and the ringing of the bell echoed through the empty check-in lobby. There was a thud from behind one of the glass doors marked "Employees Only" before a slightly frazzled-looking man burst through and approached the counter, "Welcome to the Chiza Hotel. What can I do for you?"

"I need…" She looked behind her to determine bunking buddies but let out a groan when she noticed the only members of her crew that were left standing in the lobby were the captain and the sharpshooter. "Just get me one room with double beds."

When she procured the room, Nami walked back to her remaining nakama, "Where did everyone else go?"

"They said something about exploring."

The navigator shook her head at Usopp's words. "We have more important things to do than explore." Nami picked up the heavy bag of gold and threw it to her captain, "Come on, Luffy. We need to change the gold into beli if we want to get Merry fixed."

He caught the sack with a surprised yelp, "Oi, Nami! A little warning next time."

She rolled her eyes and proceeded to the exit. The Straw Hats had just arrived on the isle known for its shipwrights, Water Seven. They had barely made it to the sinking island on the falling apart Merry. Once they docked it was agreed upon by all to use their gold to restore her.

Nami took in a breath of fresh air before turning to the two men, "Alright, first we go exchange the gold, then we head to the shipyard."

She marched off east and Usopp fell into step beside her, "I hope they can fix Merry."

The thief glanced at the sharpshooter out of the corner of her eye, "She's taken a lot of damage throughout our voyage. We have to be prepared for the worse."

Usopp abruptly stopped walking, causing Luffy to bump into his back. "What do you mean?"

"I mean…" She looked at Luffy for the go ahead and when he nodded his head, she continued, "Merry may not be repairable; and if that's the case, then we need to start thinking up what we want for our next ship."

Usopp shook his head in denial, brushing past Nami, "There won't be any need for that. Going Merry will be fixed and we'll all be back on the sea in no time."

Nami and Luffy watched the owner of their ship briskly walk off towards the direction of the plaza. They slowly followed after him, whispering amongst themselves. "He won't take the news well."

The rubber boy adjusted his straw hat, "I'll tell him when we know for sure."

Usopp's gasp of awe halted their conversation, "Guys, over here!"

They ran to their nakama and amazement filled their eyes. Waterways stretched as far as the eye could see. Strange looking animals transported the citizens of Water Seven on their backs, using the canals to their advantage.

Nami approached a man standing near a selling booth. "Sir, what are those?" She pointed to the creature as it neighed at her.

The round salesman laughed, "You three must not be from 'round here." He patted the head of the one closest to him, "These are Yagara Bulls. Using these smart animals, you can tour our great city and sight-see historical buildings." The man pulled on his beard as he looked at the group, "For a small price of 2,000 beli you can rent two of my finest bulls."

Stars shone in Luffy and Usopp's eyes when the Yagara gave a whine before it nudged the water with its snout. They turned to look at Nami, pleading, "Nami please~!"

Said woman laughed before she pulled out a small coin purse and tossed it to the merchant, "These better be worth it."

M.N

After exiting the water powered elevator, the three members of the Straw Hat Pirates continued towards Downtown city. Nami looked at the map of the area. They would be getting close to the exchange office soon, which meant they would shortly know the fate of Merry. Nami looked back at her riding buddy, "The Merry means a lot to you. Doesn't she?"

Usopp stopped fiddling with his slingshot and grinned softly, "She's all I got left."

The thief raised her eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

He put the weapon aside and wrung his hands, "She's the only reminder I have left of Syrup Village."

Nami contemplated his words, "Well, you know no matter what you can always go back and visit Syrup Village. It's not like Going Merry is the only connection you have there."

Usopp dipped his hand in the water; his fingers grazing the school of fish that was passing underneath them. "My mother's dead. Syrup Village only holds memories for me… memories that I don't need to go back there to relive." He looked Nami in her brown eyes, "Everything is out here at sea: my father… my nakama…"

Usopp's eyes shifted to Luffy on his Yagara in front of them. When he was sure that he was still off in his own world, he continued, "I might even find the love of my life out here at sea."

Nami hummed, "I've long since given up on trying to find love out on the sea, but I do understand you." She looked up at the clear sky and breathed in deeply, "Those tangerine trees will always be my reminder of Cocoyashi Village and the family I left behind."

The silence between the two stretched. They listened to the hustle of the city and their captain's off-tune singing. As they neared the bank Usopp's voice broke through Nami's thoughts, "Just promise me you'll do whatever you can to get Merry fixed."

Nami opened her mouth to reply but he cut her off, "She can be fixed."

"Of course; I'll do my best." The navigator sighed, "But ultimately, Luffy has the final say and if he feels the crew will be better off in another ship, you'll have to accept that."

She snapped the reigns, spurring the Yagara to speed up and putting an end to the conversation. When they pulled beside the singing youth, Nami pulled on the rope to match the pace of the other bull. "Oi, Luffy, we're going to do a quick exchange and then head back to Dock One so we can get an estimate on how much it's going to cost to repair Merry."

The rubber man smiled at his nakama and called upon Gomu to extend his arm and pull himself and the bag of treasure to the safety of the sidewalk, "Well, come on then!"

Usopp and Nami laughed at their friend before disembarking their ride and following their captain. Before they entered the stone building, Nami pulled on the longnose's arm, "Whatever happens, you have us…you have me."

She brushed past him and into the building, leaving a grinning sharpshooter in her wake.

Prep for darker days ahead peeps, it's gonna get ugly before things turn pretty again. Once again, I appreciate everyone for sticking with me thus far. Please stay tune for next chapter: Roronoa Zoro - Huredhiel