Disclaimer: One Piece does not belong to me.
Hello everyone! Here's the next chapter! Sorry its a little shorter than the last updates. I cut it off because a few bigger moments are coming up and I realized it would be too hard to get it all in one chapter.
Also - the Married Life fic is up! It's posted in the collection called Stolen Moments that I have here. Hope you guys like it!
Chapter 49:
It was a gull's raucous calls that woke him. Sharp and insistent, the cries repeated as the bird fluttered overhead. The sky was a tentative blue. East of the prow, waves crested with light as the sun climbed the horizon.
The ship dipped and for a moment, he found himself staring directly into the fresh light. As the ship rose over the next swell, he blinked spots of orange from his vision. Morning already. Sitting up, he rolled his neck, wincing as his muscles cramped at the movement. It had been a long night.
Rather than anchor in the evening, Miko's people had pressed stubbornly forward. They'd attached a lantern to the back of the ship to ensure the Sunny had a beacon to follow. As the night had waned on, Nami had stayed obstinately at the helm, not trusting anyone else to ensure the bobbing beacon stayed in sight.
And so he'd stayed up too – camping out against the mast. Though in that, clearly, he'd had limited success. He had a vague recollection of the moon rising over the sea, but he must have knocked-out soon after.
It was the damn pills.
His surgeries successful on both Robin and Miko, exhausted, Chopper had emerged in the late evening to check on the rest of the crew. He'd checked out Nami's head and given a nod of approval to her care of his back. After sharing a long glance with the navigator, Chopper had given him a couple pills to "speed his healing". Now, he suspected they were of the sleeping variety. And a high dose at that. There was no way he wouldn't have been able to stay up all night if he'd wanted to. And he'd been motivated. He hadn't wanted Nami to be up on deck all night by herself. Not with Ronan's people so hot on their heels.
With that final, sobering thought, he rose – and was immediately assured by the sight of Nami standing at the hull. Orange hair tied back, she leaned against the wheel, peering out at the sea ahead.
Still facing the sea, she spoke. "Have a good sleep?"
"Would've been better if it wasn't on the deck." He rolled his neck, trying to work out the remaining kinks.
She tsked. "I tried to tell you to go to bed."
"So was it your idea or Chopper's to drug me?"
"Let's just say it was a collaborative effort. Besides – you needed sleep. Can't have one of our best fighters falling asleep mid-battle." At that, she finally looked back, grinning over her shoulder.
She was one to talk. The woman had to be exhausted. Despite her grin, dark shadows colored the skin beneath her eyes.
"And what about our navigator?"
"Hm?"
"She's gotta sleep too. Don't want to get turned around and end up back where we started."
She waved her hand. "Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. I'll sleep when I'm dead."
He didn't reply. There'd been a bit too much of that going around lately. Instead, he stepped up, closing the distance between them. She didn't react when his hands settled on her waist. But when his palms slid over soft fabric, wrapping around her stomach, tugging her closer, she gave in. With a capitulating sigh, she leaned back against his chest.
For a moment, he closed his eyes, enjoying the pressure of her back against him. She was warm. He could feel it when she hummed low, contented, beneath her breath. Before this – before Nami, he hadn't known physical contact could be so… calming.
Truthfully, this was probably doing more for him than the several hours' sleep he'd gotten against the mast. Speaking of sleep-
"Go get some rest. I'll take over from here."
There was a long pause. He felt her shift and opened his eyes to an incredulous stare.
"You've got to be joking."
"What?"
"Do you remember what happened last time you took over navigating?"
He watched the water part before the prow and tried to remember exactly to what she was referring. All he could muster was a vague recollection of her being angry.
"You navigated using the clouds, Zoro. The moving clouds."
Right. On their way to Alabasta, when she was sick. The clouds had seemed like the easiest point of reference at the time. But now he knew. Clouds move. There. He'd learned. "It's just following a ship. I can do that much."
She was already shaking her head. "Nope. This is too important. Until we get there, no one's hands but my own are touching this wheel."
He had half a mind to lean around her and tap the wheel, just for the hell of it – but a shape on the horizon caught his eye first. For a split second, he thought it was a ship. Only after his heart had given several heavy, anticipatory thuds did he recognize the wide, dark shape for what it was – an island.
"Doesn't matter anyway. I think we're almost there."
Her fingers tightened over the knobbed wood. She'd seen it too. "I think you're right."
Cliffs of pink and orange had given way to a bay. Squat, square buildings encircled the blue water. The dwellings, painted in colorful pastels, were a stark contrast to the pale sand that stretched behind them.
As they circumnavigated ships in the crowded harbor, following the small, sailed vessel, the low hum of voices sounded over it all. Between the docks and the houses, a sea of white tents teemed with people. As they approached, the market's low hum grew in volume. When they settled at the far end of the wide docks, the eager shouts of buyers and sellers alike rang across the deck.
Zoro had remained at Nami's side as they entered the crowded harbor. He knew she was an amazing navigator, but her effortless avoidance of the surrounding vessels, who seemed to be moving in and out of the harbor with little rhyme or reason, was still impressive.
"In this desert, there are valuable minerals beneath the sand."
It was Wani who spoke. He'd emerged from Chopper's office soon after the island appeared on the horizon. In his initial dress, he'd looked much like the other desert dweller, Sobat. But now, with his hooded cloak removed, he was clearly distinguishable. Where Sobat's dark hair was tied low against his neck, Wani's was shaved short. And where the elder man's dark skin was lined, Wani's was smooth. If Zoro had to guess, he'd say Wani was probably close in age to Robin.
The man nodded towards the bustling market. "The minerals are often traded for water, which as you might imagine, is a rare commodity here." He raised a hand and a shadow fell over his eyes. "It is because of the value of the mineral and the necessity for water, that there is strife between the tribes that dwell here."
With the ship safely moored, Nami turned from the wheel. "Which is why you need Miko back."
He nodded. "It is a lucrative, but difficult life. A tribe is nothing without a leader."
At that, Zoro finally spoke. "How are they?" Chopper had spent most of the night as well as the morning in the sick bay. Wani had hardly ventured out at all.
Wani's contemplative expression gave way to a smile. "Better. The woman - Nico Robin - is quickly regaining strength. And Miko is weak, but he is no longer in danger."
"It is lucky that Miko heals quickly." Pale, but on her feet, Robin joined them at the helm.
Wani stared, looking between the archaeologist and the sick bay in confusion. "That he does. Though not as fast as you do, it would seem." He held out a steadying hand. "Are you sure you're well enough to be standing?"
Nami was already at her side, gingerly holding Robin by one of her heavily bandaged arms.
It was true, Robin was still pale. But her tread was steady and her eyes seemed bright. He wagered she hadn't spent all of those years on the run without learning how to pick herself up after an injury. It likely wouldn't take her long to be fully healed. If they were lucky, she would be in fighting condition before another battle was upon them. Zoro couldn't help but look to the crowded city below. There was no telling when that would be.
As if reading his mind, Wani straightened. "We'll need to be off soon. Sobat is arranging for transportation."
Still holding a precautionary hand against Robin, Nami spoke. "Where are we going?"
Wani nodded towards the dunes that stretched past the city. Like waves, they seemed to roll upon the horizon. "Our tribe is based in the Eastern side of the dessert planes. We can offer limited protection from Ronan's people there. It's not far. But it presents a treacherous journey for any who do not know the way."
"How long?"
Wani looked up at Zoro's question. "How long can we protect you? Long enough for your crew to recover. No longer than that. If Ronan truly seeks Miko's death, we have enough trouble on our hands as it is."
"We would not wish to impose longer than necessary." Robin looked between Zoro and Nami. "Our time is limited. We now have seven days to capitalize on Ronan's weakness."
She was right. Seven days wasn't much time at all. They could afford to stay as long as it took to recover and come up with a new plan; but any longer than that and they'd risk running out of time.
They were interrupted by a shout. Beyond the docks, Sobat stood, clad in his tan cloak. Behind him, trailed a line of horses.
Sobat had led them to the edge of town. Several of Sobat's people were left behind to guard both ships. He'd assured them that under their guard, the Sunny would be safe. Luffy had believed him. Nami had too – but only after telling the guards exactly what she'd do to them if she arrived back to find any of her treasure missing. To their credit, the hooded guards had paled only slightly at the threats.
Where dirt and rock gave way to sand, several spindly shrubs clung to life amidst the grains. The horses that Sobat had retrieved pawed the ground. Zoro watched them warily. He'd never been a fan of four-legged mulish animals. They were stupid – and they never seemed to like him.
At the edge of the herd, a dark horse milled. Nostrils flaring, it sniffed along the dirt. Large lips rolled back as it gnawed at a wilting shrub. It blinked sullenly at him over the leaves. Zoro frowned back. The feeling was mutual.
Leather boots crunched lightly over sand as Wani and another hooded tribesman stepped up to the steeds. A stallion, tall and muscled was pulled to the back of the line. There, a low-lying rickshaw had been prepared. Wrapped in thin sheets and tied securely to the flat bed, Miko stared at the sky. His half-lidded gaze seemed to comprehend little of his surroundings.
Reaching for the dark horse, Wani passed its reins to Zoro with a smile. Reins in hand, he eyed the animal with distaste. Its ears tipped back as its black tail flicked, displacing an invisible fly from its rear.
"I was able to acquire nearly enough horses, but we are a few short." Sobat joined them with a curt nod. His hood was once again lowered; the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and mouth appeared harsh beneath the rapidly rising sun. "Some will have to share."
Will's presence was announced by a low buzz. "I'm more than happy to share my horse."
At the sound of his voice, Sobat and Wani started. Though they'd both previously witnessed Will's buzzing flight – Wani on the ship, and Sobat after they departed – both men seemed unnerved by the small man's presence. Even the horses shifted anxiously, snorting and pawing the ground in reaction to the sharp sound of Will's flight. Maybe man and beast-alike sensed that Will harbored a dangerous power, despite his small form.
As if sensing the tribesmen's discomfort, Will circled wide around the long line of horses. Hovering near the front of the line, he dropped lightly onto the edge of Luffy's hat. Luffy, already on a speckled mare, crossed his eyes as he grinned up at the pair of legs dangling from the straw rim. Their captain didn't seem to mind the smaller man's presence – if anything, he seemed pleased to be Will's new favorite perch.
A moment later, Chopper scurried up behind Luffy. Patting a hoof against the horse's twitching flank, the doctor easily calmed the animal, who had begun to panic at Will's prolonged presence. With the horse once more at ease, Chopper settled in behind Luffy, likely hoping to keep the horse from spooking again.
Several horses back, Franky climbed onto one of the larger beasts. Once settled, he held a hand out to Robin. Hesitating, the archaeologist glanced skeptically between Fraky and the horse that shifted between his wide thighs.
"I don't want to break it."
Franky laughed. "I can't imagine you weigh that much."
Blue eyes looked once more between the horse and Franky's comically-large form squatting upon it. "It's not my weight that concerns me." Robin deadpanned.
A second stretched between them before Franky wilted in understanding.
Wani looked up from adjusting a halter. "It is strong enough to support you both. The horses born and bred here are known for their strength. They persevere through the harsh heat of the desert on a daily basis."
"Alright." Satisfied, Robin spread her arms.
Carefully avoiding the white bandages encircling her forearms, Franky pulled her up.
Nearby, Nami reached for a horse of her own. But before she could pull herself up, a skeletal hand settled over her wrist.
"Nami-san, I do not wish to share with Zoro. Do you think we might trade?"
Zoro glanced around. The number of horses was indeed dwindling.
Blinking, Nami seemed to come to the same conclusion. She passed Brook the reigns with a smile. "Sure." Stepping away, she called in a sing-song voice over her shoulder. "Of course you'll owe me a small fee for taking my horse."
"I could charge you for sharing my horse."
As she approached, Zoro's horse lifted its head. Nickering, it nuzzled her shoulder as she moved to stand beside him. She brushed a hand over its long nose. Smiling, she looked up. "But you won't."
She lifted up, balancing on her toes, and before he could reply, pressed a swift kiss to his lips. He immediately froze at the touch, her lips soft and warm against his own. When she pulled back, her breath huffed, light against his lips.
She dropped back to her heels, grinning. "I could get used to doing that whenever I want." And without another word, hoisted herself onto the saddle.
Zoro felt heat pooling in his cheeks; heat that he acknowledged wasn't completely due to the sun beating down on them. Grumbling, he pulled himself up behind her. He could charge her if he wanted to. He just didn't want to.
As they sat, waiting, he was once again comforted by the feel of her back, tucked close against his chest. "Now you can finally get some sleep."
Nami looked up from patting the horse's mane. "I can't sleep on a horse."
"I'll keep you from falling off."
"A horse isn't exactly comfortable. There's no way I'm sleeping."
Zoro shrugged. Personally, he thought she was underestimating her exhaustion. The bags under her eyes were only getting darker. Staying up all night was one thing. It was another to spend the night navigating. Maintaining that level of focus was twice as draining.
"No! I'm not doing it! Get your own god damn horse!" Sanji's antagonized voice rose from the rear.
Bracing a hand on the saddle, Zoro twisted to see Usopp sitting on a black and white mare. Sanji, arms crossed over his chest, glared at both horse and rider.
"This is already my horse! Its name is Gilgamesh! And I don't want to share with you either – so go ride with Brook!" Usopp said, gesturing emphatically at the skeleton ahead of them.
Chopper coughed. "Usopp – that's not the horse's real name."
Brook spoke over him. "I'm already paying Nami-san for the use of her horse. I'm not sharing."
Sanji's voice was irate. "I don't want to share with you anyway, shitty skeleton!" Turning, he looked frantically around. "If I have to share, why can't I share with Robin-chan or Nami-san?"
Robin smiled gently from her spot behind the cyborg. "I'm sorry Sanji-kun, but I'm quite comfortable here."
Desperate, Sanji turned to Nami.
She rolled her eyes. "Just ride with Usopp, Sanji-kun. It won't kill you."
Arms limp, his head lolled forward. He answered in a mumble. "Yes it will."
Usopp huffed. "It's getting hot. Just get on so we can go."
"Fine. But I get to steer." Sanji said, grumbling.
Lifting his hands from the reins, Usopp scooted back. "Whatever floats your boat, dude."
Sanji scowled. "Don't say it like that!"
This was getting ridiculous. "Just get on the damn horse." Zoro's voice carried over the sand, cutting into their argument.
Sanji's head whipped in his direction. "Stay out of this marimo head!"
Nonetheless, Sanji reached up, pulling himself onto the horse in one smooth motion. Settled on the saddle, he leaned forward, hunching his shoulders. "Don't touch me."
Usopp's nose poked over his shoulder. "The saddle's not that big though."
A throat cleared. At the edge of the desert, Sobat and Wani waited, sitting atop their own horses. Wani was blinking, looking from one pirate to the next in silent befuddlement.
Beside him, Sobat frowned. "Are we ready?"
At the front, Luffy threw up a fist. "Yosh! Let's go!"
Sobat looked past him, nodding to one of the desert men at the back. "Keep an eye on Miko." He tugged the reins and the horse spun in a quick turn. "Let's go."
They followed him in a line, the horses' heavy hooves leaving a path of trodden sand in their wake. However, he watched as wind, swirling with sand, flitted over the dunes. In the span of seconds, the churned sand was wiped smooth beneath the swift currents.
Twisting, Zoro looked around them. Already, dunes stretched in every direction. Smooth, save for the occasional swirling gust of sand and animal track that had yet to be brushed clear, the sloping mounds looked identical. It was easy to see how traveling without a guide could be dangerous. Getting lost, alone, was a significant danger out here.
As the line of horses plodded a twisting path through the dunes, the sun slowly climbed the horizon.
Soon Nami began to rock back and forth with the horse's swaying walk. Wrapping an arm around her, he tugged, pulling her back. She resisted a moment, before relaxing, settling against him.
He watched as her eyes fluttered, lashes brushing the light freckles on her cheeks. And then they closed, and her head dropped back against his shoulder. She muttered up at the sky. "Won't sleep. Might nap though."
He snorted. She could call it whatever she liked. Leaning around her, he carefully pried the reins from her hands. Holding the leather strap in one hand, he held her against him with the other. "I got you."
Her head lolled to the side. Soft, even breaths tickled his neck.
Out like a light.
Settling back into the saddle, he adjusted his grip on the reins. The rolling dunes stretched in all directions. He could only hope they'd reach their destination soon. Squinting, he glanced up at the sky. At least before the back of his neck got any warmer.
Thanks for reading! I've said it before, and I will be saying it until I finish this thing. Thank you all SO much for your reviews. You're the best. Whether you're just saying that you liked the chapter or offering constructive feedback, I appreciate all of it so so much.
I promise the next update will not take a month. In fact, I'll try to get started on it tomorrow :) Until next time!
