Theme: 55 – Waiting | Rating: T+ | Words: 3822
Summary: Nami wants to wait before taking things to the next level
Whatever It Takes or All You Can Do Is Wait
Nami woke up and immediately wished she was still safe in the oblivion of sleep. Her head felt stuffy in that special way a night of too much drinking caused so she closed her eyes again letting the memory of the night before seep into her consciousness. Just as she began to recall certain more adult feelings she heard a low groan from behind her. Memories still a tad fuzzy, Nami froze for a moment and prayed that she wouldn't find Sanji beside her. The blond was a sweet guy but she didn't like him in that manner and a drunk hookup would certainly be disastrous. When she cautiously turned and saw the distinctive green of Zoro's hair she could have kissed him in relief but given their current situation she figured they'd better sort things out instead just to be safe.
She took in Zoro's slightly dishevelled appearance as he began to wake up, the night before slowly returning to her. They had clearly been drinking and it had all started when Zoro had handed her a fresh drink. She had thanked the swordsman and being in a bit of a playful mood the man had recoiled with feigned shock which led to a rather heated discussion on how she didn't often say thank you especially to him. They had bickered easily throughout the night with no hard feelings but Zoro's words had stuck with her and she began thinking of all the times Zoro had saved her or just helped her out whether directly or not. There was no shortage of occasions but sticking out most prominently where when he had fought Hachi less than a week after that should have been fatal cut from Mihawk. Even as his wound split open he had fought with his everything to help free her. Then there was the fight in Alabasta where she had made him carry her because of a sprained ankle despite the steady flow of blood leaving his own body. He had complained of course but she knew that he had never truly hesitated in lifting her up. The more she thought about it the more she felt a combination of gratitude, affection and undeniable guilt. They drank steadily and in her lubricated state an idea of how to repay him entered her mind. The more she thought about it the more she liked the idea and the continued intake of liquor didn't exactly work to dissuade her. When she had approached Zoro with her offer he had quirked an eyebrow at her his dark eyes seeming to pierce the haze and making her realize how much she wanted it for herself. He had obviously accepted her offer and well here they were the next morning in this potentially awkward situation.
Zoro turned and looked at her and she felt her cheeks heat up at being caught out in her staring. The swordsman just grunted in typical male fashion before pushing himself up. She waited watching for him to say something but he just scratched his chest – it really was a sublime chest she couldn't help thinking – before climbing out of her bed completely nude. The flush of her cheeks darkened as arousal mixed in with embarrassment as she watched the swordsman collect his strewn clothing without a care for his lack of coverage. Once he was fully clothed again he returned to the bed his face calm and she unconsciously clutched the sheet to her chest.
"I wasn't drunk last night and I don't think you were all that gone either but if that's what you want we can pretend we were both drunk and leave it at that."
Then he bent down, pressed a rough kiss to her cheek and walked out of the room. Nami sat there stunned for a minute or two before the implications of what he said dawned on her. If he wasn't drunk that meant he had wanted to sleep with her and as he had pointed out she hadn't exactly been out of her mind drunk and the idea had come to her earlier in the night as it was. So despite the alcohol involved the previous night had been something they both wanted.
"That's ridiculous!" Nami said out loud to the empty room.
The answering silence seemed to be asking her if it was really so crazy to think she had developed romantic feelings for the swordsman. Not wanting to think about the whole thing just then or try to make any sort of decision Nami forcefully pushed thoughts of Zoro aside and got ready for the day. Yet try as she might thoughts about the swordsman bothered her all morning long. If she wasn't just a drunken hookup then why was he willing to pretend otherwise? It was frustrating and as the day wore on she grew more incensed until her answer was glaringly obvious. If she didn't have feelings for Zoro then she wouldn't care if he fought for her or not. The simple fact that she wasn't jumping gratefully at the out made it clear to herself that she didn't want one.
That evening she went to find the swordsman in the crow's nest ready to voice her opinions. She found him pulling a blanket out of one of the chests but he stopped and put it on the bench seat when she came in. He indicated for her to sit and after a slight hesitation – she felt more in control standing – she took a seat. Zoro didn't say anything just sat and waited for her to finally screw up the courage to speak.
"It wasn't a mistake. I like you, Zoro."
Zoro nodded and with a small smirk leaned in to kiss her. Nami put her hand up to stop him leaning away to give the clear message that just because she liked him it didn't mean she was going to fall right back into bed with him.
"What?" Zoro asked a tad cross.
"Well for starters, you baka, I'm not just throwing myself blindly at you. I admitted my feelings don't you have anything to say in return?"
Zoro scowled at her without making a move to speak and she wondered if she was ruining the chance by making him talk about feelings but she had her principles and so she held firm. Finally the swordsman sighed and raking his fingers over his face he gave in.
"I wouldn't have slept with you if I didn't feel the same, woman. Happy?"
"Well…" Nami hedged partially teasing.
"That's the only admission you're getting." He growled cheeks just a little bit pink.
Nami laughed lightly before leaning forward and giving him a quick peck on the lips.
"Ok, I believe you but I still think we should wait." She said pulling back.
"Wait? We've already had sex, what exactly are we waiting for?" Zoro asked incredulous.
"To be certain that both of us want this beyond the sex and the only way to be sure that this isn't just about sex is to remove it from the equation." Nami explained rationally.
"Fine, but I'll tell you right now it isn't just sex."
Nami's heart warmed at the plainly spoken comment and she looked away to compose herself. After a moment he stood up and picked up the pair of binoculars hanging on the peg, he did a cursory check in all directions clearly not spotting any potential danger as he hung them back up without a word.
"I guess I'll go, have a good night." Nami said straightening up.
"You could stay." Zoro suggested with a shrug.
Coming from most guys Nami would have suspected ulterior motives but she trusted the swordsman and knew there would be no attempt at seduction to get her to change her mind so she simply stretched out across the padded bench seat. After adjusting her skirt to make sure she was still properly covered she turned her head to look at Zoro.
"What do you usually do on your own up here?"
"Some form of training. Katas, weights or meditation."
"Meditation or napping?" she teased.
"Meditation, sea witch. So I can deal with you." Zoro growled but his dark eyes sparkled with amusement.
Nami just smiled and they fell into an easy silence.
The evening wore on and while they talked occasionally it was mostly quiet and Nami let herself just be there in that moment with the swordsman. She didn't know when she drifted off but she woke to Zoro gently shaking her. When she opened her eyes it was dark out, a lantern creating a soft glow in the enclosed nest.
"It's late, you probably want to return to your bed, this bench isn't that comfortable."
She blinked sleepily at Zoro before nodding in agreement. He handed her a flashlight and opened the trap door for her to leave by. They exchanged soft good nights at the door and then she left climbing back down to the deck. When she slipped between the cool sheets that still smelled of the swordsman she had some doubts about the whole waiting idea but she ignored them because libido aside it was still the right thing to do.
The following morning when Nami sat down for breakfast she began to panic ever so slightly. Question after question passed through her mind without answers. Were they dating now? Was she supposed to sit beside him? What would the others think? Did he expect her to act differently? Was she supposed to kiss him? She was seriously considering fleeing when the cause of her panic sauntered in. She froze slightly in her seat and waited but the swordsman was his usual self. A short "morning" in reply to Robin's greeting before sitting down at his regular spot at the corner of the table. He reached for some food and caught her eye. He held her gaze for a split second longer than normal before flashing a smile that no one save the ever observant Robin caught. Nami instantly relaxed and focused on keeping her food away from Luffy and the usual mealtime banter.
The Thousand Sunny was still several days out from the next island and after breakfast Nami double checked both the weather and their course before heading down to the aquarium room to relax. She was flipping through an old cartography book Robin had lent her when he came in. Her stomach did a little flip flop but she hid it under a scowl directed at the swordsman.
"Just because we are, whatever it is we are, don't think we need to hang out all the time."
If she expected her comment to bother the swordsman she was disappointed because Zoro just smirked in that infuriatingly sexy way of his before moving over to one of the cabinets.
"I'm not here to hang out. This just happens to be where I store the extra cloths for my polishing kit."
She might not have believed him but when he turned around he was holding a square box labeled 'COTTON PUFFS' with his name written over it in black sharpie.
"Why do you keep them in here?" She found herself asking.
"It's the easiest room to find that has extra space." He answered with a shrug.
Nami smiled to herself because she knew there were plenty of easily accessible storage closets that were empty but wasn't surprised that Zoro would have trouble finding them. She was about to turn back to her book when Zoro stopped in the doorway. He looked at her intently his desire evident in the darkness of his eyes. Nami felt her own desire grow under such a look and she lifted an eyebrow in a subtle challenge. The swordsman tossed the box onto a couch along with the kit she hadn't noticed earlier and strode over to her. There was no hesitation when he bent down and covered her mouth with his. Zoro's hand was firm on the back of her neck and she found the book slipping from her hands as she reached up to grip his shirt. The kiss escalated and she heard the soft knocking of his katana being removed with his free hand. She vaguely thought about stopping him but then his tongue licked across the seam of her lips and she gave herself up to the power of his mouth on hers. It wasn't long before they were stretched out across the couch in a heated make out session that pushed any thought out of her head. His hands were firm but gentle on her skin as he caressed her side coming achingly close to her breasts before sliding back down to cup her hip. She could feel the hard length of him against her stomach and it recalled long, pleasure hazy moments from the other night. She felt wanton and needy with him in a way she had never experienced before.
Suddenly the weight of Zoro's body was gone and she opened her eyes to see the swordsman pulling back into a sitting position frustration mixed in with desire etched across his features. The cause of his actions was clear in his expression and with a soft groan she arranged herself so she was sitting on the other side of the couch.
"Waiting, right." She said breathily her heart still racing.
Nami appreciated the effort it had took Zoro to stop as his unsatisfied desire was obvious even with the loose pants he wore. She watched as he stood up bending down to scoop her book up off the floor. Nami accepted the book and tried to return her attention to the history even as the swordsman settled himself on the floor with his blades and polishing kit. Despite her earlier comment about not hanging out she found she enjoyed having him nearby as they both went about their separate activities. She was soon absorbed in the book and was surprised to look up and find herself alone in the room. A quick glance confirmed that the swordsman had indeed left and while he certainly didn't need to tell her of his goings she was nonetheless annoyed that he hadn't bothered to at least say goodbye. The distant sound of Sanji calling them for lunch echoed through the halls and she put the book away heading up to the galley her own doubt making the irritation build. When she saw the swordsman sitting calmly at the table she forgot about not wanting the crew to know or even the fact that she had an audience as her insecurity came out in the form of an attack.
"You can't even say bye? That's just polite behaviour regardless of relationship status." Nami began.
Zoro looked up startled and momentarily confused by her sudden outburst. He opened his mouth to defend himself no doubt but she wasn't finished yet and she continued on before he could get a word out.
"This is why I wanted to wait. Day one and already you're losing interest. I hope you remember the other night well because that's the only—"
Nami was unceremoniously cut off by Zoro's mouth on hers his taste and scent invading her leaving her stunned. The swordsman pulled back, tightly controlled anger and passion hidden behind a blank facade and before she could react he had tossed her over his shoulder carrying her out to the deck. She pounded his back to no avail and as much as she shouted it wasn't until they were on the grass that he set her down.
"What the fuck, Zoro!?" she shouted slapping his chest heavily.
"Will you shut up?" the swordsman shouted back, "For someone who was so concerned about what others might think this morning you certainly have no trouble airing our business now."
Fury and embarrassment warred for dominance as Nami realized she hadn't even thought about their audience and Zoro had stopped her just short of announcing to the entire crew that they had slept together. Not that a few of them wouldn't figure it out at this point.
"It's your fault for just leaving like that." She retorted clinging to the fury.
"I didn't." Zoro said with a forced calm his entire body vibrating with contained anger.
"Bullshit!"
"You were absorbed in your damn book you didn't hear me. I called your name twice then figured I'd just leave you to it. Sorry for not ripping the book away just to say see you at lunch."
The last comment dripped with sarcasm hitting home just how stupid and insecure she was being. The insecurity rattled her and she hated that she felt that way.
"Look, I don't know what this is any more than you do but I do know that if you don't actually give this a try we're doomed from the start." Zoro continued the edge now gone from his voice.
The fight left her then and she ducked her head in shame.
"I know. Sorry."
When she looked up Zoro was smirking softly and she knew that she was forgiven.
"Are you really apologizing? Damn, I like this relationship thing."
A spark of irritation flared inside of her and she welcomed it as the return of normalcy.
"Shut up, baka." She grumbled with a glare.
Zoro just continued to smirk until Nami let a small smile settle on her lips.
"Come on, let's go eat. I'm sure everyone is dying to know what's going on." Nami said.
"I'm surprised the love cook hasn't stormed out to protect you."
Nami had to agree especially given the way Zoro had unceremoniously removed her from the galley. When they got back inside the others were waiting and she noticed Sanji was nearly combusting with anger and energy yet stayed in the corner. A quick look at Luffy's calm demeanor informed her that he had used his power as captain to keep everyone – particularly Sanji – from interfering.
"Sorry everyone. I overreacted and took it out on Zoro. Everything is fine, let's eat!"
Luffy met her gaze and with the intuition that never failed to amaze her he knew that things were fine and diverted the attention by digging into the lunch with a shout. The others quickly turned their attention to the food on the table lest their gluttonous captain eat it all. She had just filled her plate when a cup of tea appeared in front of her and she looked up to see Sanji looking at her with concern.
"Nami-swan are you really ok? If that baka did anything –"
Nami cut him off with a hand on his shoulder. "Its fine, Sanji-kun. Just a misunderstanding."
"B-but he kissed you and acted like a caveman." Sanji protested weakly.
"He'll be sorry about the latter as for the former he's allowed." Nami replied softly looking across the table and smiling.
She knew the confession hurt Sanji but she also knew he would get over it and the poor boy had never really had a chance to begin. Sanji bowed out gracefully and took his seat. Nami let out a breath and turned her attention to the food feeling a whole lot calmer.
A few days later the pressure had begun to build and there was an undeniable desire between Nami and Zoro. The crew had accepted their relationship at face value and things hadn't changed on the whole. Except that Nami would often join Zoro in the crow's nest at night and talk or they would simply be doing their own thing just in the vicinity of the other. She could tell that Zoro wanted to pursue the physical side of their relationship but she also knew that he wouldn't press her and it would be entirely up to her. With each kiss goodnight or heated look Nami would crack a little more until the one morning she woke up from a night of tossing and turning aching with unreleased passion. She knew then that this self-imposed celibacy was going to end, Zoro had proven that he wasn't just looking to get laid and Nami was fairly certain she was well on the path to falling in love and she was through with depriving herself.
She had planned on approaching the swordsman right after breakfast but the Grand Line loved to make a fool of those who planned and she never got the chance. The dishes hadn't yet been cleared away when the unmistakable sound of a cannon firing had them all racing to the deck. Sure enough the white and blue sail of the marines was visible in the distance. Luffy let out a whoop before jumping into action to prevent Sunny from receiving any damage. The crew worked in tandem to negate the threat and get away with minimal damage. Luckily they were able to keep the cannonballs from hitting and with some help from a storm Nami conjured and a coup de burst they got away cleanly. They didn't rest right off however staying on the lookout as they continued to put more distance between them and the marines.
"I think we're clear." Usopp said telescope in hand.
"Yosh! We win again." Luffy exclaimed with a laugh.
Slowly the others went off to do their regular activities with Usopp returning to the crow's nest to keep a lookout just in case. Nami felt the adrenaline seep out of her body as she calmly disassembled her ClimaTact and slipped the pieces into their straps along her thing for safekeeping. Now that the danger was gone she felt the excitement of her earlier decision return. It didn't take long to find Zoro where he was double checking some of the lines. His shirt was soaked through from Nami's storm and it did little to hide the corded muscle in his back and arms. He was a damn fine specimen of the male species and she wanted to experience him a lot sooner than tonight like she had been thinking.
He looked up as she approached – sneaking up on him was impossible – and a smirk crossed his features. She didn't speak just pressed right up against him reaching up to pull his head down to her. Zoro went easily and their mouths pressed together in a slow mating that stoked her desire as well as his judging by the way he was poking at her.
"Zoro, I'm done waiting." She said when they pulled apart.
"You sure? It's not just because of the fight?" The swordsman asked voice tight.
"I'm sure. I knew this morning the marines just attacked before I could tell you."
He looked like he might argue again so she kissed him hard putting every ounce of her desire and emotion into the touch so he had no choice but to believe her. Zoro did believe her and they spent the next hour proving some things are worth waiting for.
