Disclaimer: One Piece does not belong to me.

Alright. I'm the worst. This update took like a month again. I'm sorry! But its done now :)

Also - Important! In this chapter there's a bit of...how should I say it...hanky panky.. boom boom pow.. sexy times.. some bam bam in the ham? XD I seriously just cracked myself up with those euphemisms. I really should not be writing this late - or early? Anyway, its not incredibly explicit, but if you feel uncomfortable feel free to skip over the end.

Enjoy!

Chapter 50:


Just as they had lulled her to sleep, it was the horse's swaying steps that woke her. They were slowing. She squinted, blinking against the glare. Above, the sun was at its zenith.

She must have been tired after all. For as she blinked, rubbing grit from her eyes, she saw the white tips of tents peeking over the upcoming dunes. They sat atop the curving mounds like white foam cresting a wave.

The horses plodded down the dune, sand shifting beneath them; and the tents materialized below, a sea of white amidst burnt yellow sand. At its center, pooled a body of water. The cerulean surface mimicked the sky.

It was said that mirages often took the form of water. She blinked. The sparkling pond didn't waver. "Uh, is that-"

"Your eyes do not deceive you, miss navigator." Wani answered, as he slowed his horse to walk beside them. "This oasis is one of only a few that exist in the vast desert. It is not for valuable minerals, alone, that enemy tribes attack us. Access to water is a priceless commodity. We are strong, and for many years have defended our land with ease." Tugging his hood, Wani shied away from the glaring light. "But with our leader's recent illness, and without the presence of an heir ready to replace him, our fate had become less certain. Without either Miko or his sister here, we feared our people would lose heart in defending our home."

Tents rose up on either side and the horses sagged, as if aware their journey neared its end.

Tent flaps rustled as they passed. Curious eyes peered out at them. Nami could feel their gazes following after, like a tickle on the back of her neck. Apparently Zoro could too. He straightened and she felt his chest, firm against her back. Abandoning its place on her waist, his hand dropped to his katanas.

"At this hour, most everyone will have retreated indoors. The sun is simply too hot at midday." Wani said, following her gaze to a fluttering tent flap. "Only after the sun has fallen another several inches will the city be revived."

She could certainly understand their reasoning. As they rode, making a slow, swaying path through the tents, the sun burned, harsh on her pale shoulders. Between her thighs, the horse's flank twitched; its dark hide radiated heat. It was good that their journey was nearing an end. Though Wani had said these horses were stronger than most, in this heat, surely even they must be nearing the limit of their endurance.

The horse's ears flicked back. As they passed another long row of tents, its snorted low. The space between the pale, wavering homes was growing smaller. Perhaps the city's interior was near.

"Where exactly are we going?"

"In the inner city there are tents in which you and the rest of the crew may stay. Once you are settled, Sobat will take you to meet-"

"Your leader." Sanji interrupted.

"Under normal circumstances, yes. But as I said, he is ill. Instead, you will meet his wife, the Lady Mayana."

Sanji perked, sitting higher in his seat.

Wani smiled. "Don't look so excited. The Lady Mayana is a formidable woman. After meeting her, you may find yourself wishing her husband was well."

Sanji swayed and his lips stretched in an pining grin. "Formidable women are my favorite."

Usopp hissed. "She's married! If you act like an idiot and get us kicked out, I swear to god…"


"Who is this fool, and why is he drooling on my feet?"

Pale light filtered through the tent, bathing the woman in an ethereal glow. Dark hair, which shifted between midnight blue and black depending on the light, fell over her shoulders and down her back, a cascade of intricate braids. Almond eyes peered down a long, regal nose, and squinted at the man groveling beneath her.

Wiggling over the lavish carpets, Sanji sang, "Mellorine! What a miracle! To have found a beautiful flower such as yourself in this wasteland!"

"Oh my god." Usopp spoke, his voice muffled beneath a hand.

Sanji's crawling dance became more erratic. Meanwhile, the woman's expression darkened.

Clenching her jaw, Nami spoke between her teeth. "Sanji! Get off the floor. Now!"

Lady Mayana watched him stumble back with a frown.

Robin cleared her throat. "I apologize for our comrade's behavior. He has…a condition."

Zoro perked up, joining in. "Also, he's kinda slow."

Sanji started, angrily wiping a trail of drool from his chin. However, a tanned hand slapped over his mouth before he could utter a word.

Looking over his shoulder Usopp managed a sad smile. "Poor guy. We just want him to live as normal a life as possible." He sighed. "He tries so hard."

Beneath Usopp's palm, Sanji's face was turning red. Indignant, he stuttered protests, all muffled beneath Usopp's hand.

"A noble endeavor." The woman tilted her head, observing the cook. "Looking at him now, I should have guessed."

Sanji gave a low moan.

Mayana tilted her head forward, a slight nod. "I apologize for my blunt words. However, next time keep a closer eye on him."

Nami nodded, readily agreeing. These people were giving them shelter, the last thing they needed was to get on their matriarch's bad side. "Of course. We'll be sure to do so while we're here."

"Good." The woman's voice turned sharp. "Now, will someone care to tell me how my son came to be so gravely injured while in your company?"

"It was the shitty, red-haired granny!"

Lady Mayana blinked. "The what?"

Robin interjected. "An assassin who goes by the name of Geneva. She is employed by Ronan. From what we were told, it was Ronan who caused Miko's initial injuries. Later, our encounter with Geneva exacerbated them."

Mayana nodded slowly. "Ronan. I know of him. Soon after Miko left to search for Letti, he sent word that this man, Ronan, had recruited him, and that Ronan had pledged his resources to aid in Miko's search." She sniffed. "Clearly, nothing came of it. In fact, he ended up double crossing Miko in the end, no? I doubt the man ever searched at all."

This brought to mind several questions that had been percolating, waiting, at the back of her head ever since Miko had given his first, vague, description of his sister's disappearance. Nami hesitated to bring it up. After all, the woman was the girl's mother. It must be a touchy subject. But still, something about it nagged at her. They'd never know the full story unless they asked.

Before she could second guess herself any further, she took a quick breath and spoke. "Ms. Mayana – Lady," she corrected, "what exactly happened? How and why was your daughter taken?"

"I was not there. But I have heard the tale recounted enough to last a lifetime." Despite her quick words, her low voice held the hint of a waiver. "I don't like to relive these memories, second hand as they may be."

"You don't have to tell this tale, mother. It was always my burden to bear."

Mayana jerked up. Silhouetted against the sun's white glare, Miko's thin form stood, unsteady at the entrance.

"Miko! What are you doing up?" The Lady snapped her fingers. Men materialized on either side of the teen, reaching to support him as he swayed. "Bring him in. Hurry. Lay him down."

His mother watched, shoulders tense, as her son was deposited on a bed of pillows. Folding her arms, she looked him over. "What are you thinking? Walking around as if there weren't cuts and gashes across your body?"

Miko's eyes rolled up. "It's not that bad."

"Oh so Sobat lied? You weren't, in fact, unconscious for the entirety of the trip here?"

The teen grumbled. "-just tired."

Mayana had begun to pace. "Just tired. You are gone for more than a year, and when you finally come back, I find you laid out, half-dead. What do you think that does to me? As a mother, how that makes me feel? You and your sister are my world. And Letti, now that," she hesitated, drawing a breath. "Now that she's gone, you're all I have left."

As she watched the scene play out, Nami felt a tickle on the back of her neck. There was the pressure of small hands on her shoulder. From the corner of her eye, she could see Will drop into a slow seat. Dark eyes blinked, and he tilted his head. He watched the mother and son interact, his expression unreadable.

Miko shook his head, obstinate. "She's not."

"Miko." The plea was pained.

His voice was hard. "She's not."

Looking up, he seemed to see something in his mother's expression, because he sighed, wilting back into the pillows. "But I didn't come here to argue. I came to tell them about what happened to Letti. They got me back here. If the navigator wants to hear about it, I'll tell them."

Mayana straightened, grim. "Fine. But I won't hear it. Not again." She turned, sweeping her robe behind her. "I'll check in on your father. After you're finished, send for servants to have our guests bathed and clothed in time for the feast."

At her words, Luffy jumped. Wide eyes stared after her. "Feast?"

Franky's arm dropped over his shoulders, managing to steady their captain before he could begin jumping in earnest. Tucking his shades over his head, Franky leaned in. "Story first, food later. Meat's not gonna be as good if it doesn't have time to marinate anyway."

Luffy tilted his head. Franky paused, letting the logic sink in.

Luffy blinked once. Twice. His face broke out in a grin. "Alright! Story! Then meat!"

Clearly, Miko had grown at least somewhat accustomed to Luffy's mannerisms in the days he'd spent with them, because as Luffy chuckled, wiping at his drool, the teen simply shook his head.

"It's not gonna take that long. There's not much to tell." Miko scratched at his head, wincing at the motion.

"You saw the market when we arrived. Well that's where we sell the majority of the minerals we excavate from our land. Ever since I turned ten, I was allowed to tag along with the merchants and soldiers when they went to market. My father thought it would be good experience for me. He wanted me to have an understanding of the worth of the minerals buried deep within our land. And I did – kind of. Mostly I was just excited to get out of the city."

When he smiled, it was slow, sad. "The first time I went to market, was the first time I saw the sea. I was amazed. It was so blue, and it seemed to stretch forever. But even then, I thought compared to the sand, it seemed cold."

Folding his arms, Miko leaned back, watching them as he spoke. "It was on my fourth trip that I found it. There was a commotion at the market that day. A passing ship had been robbed when it stopped to trade. Pursued, the thief had dropped the stolen package amongst the stalls. And that's where I found it, tucked, nearly invisible, between a cart's wheel and the wall. I had never seen a fruit that looked so strange: blue and lopsided, its uneven surface was marked by silver streaked tips. But the journey to town had been long, and I hadn't eaten since morning. So I took a bite."

Miko cringed, remembering. "And nearly threw it up. Thinking the shitty fruit was rotten, I tossed it away. It wasn't until my next trip to market that I realized exactly what it was I'd eaten. Next time I walked along the docks, I felt it. Like, this presence beneath me. I could hear the waves slapping against the underside of the docks, but more than that, I could feel them. I dropped down, horrified and fascinated all at once. I reached a hand towards the waves. But my arm was too short, I couldn't reach. And then, I couldn't believe it. The water rose, dancing beneath by palm. I was so shocked that I lost my balance and tipped forward, right into the water. Of course, I sunk. If it weren't for Sobat my life would have ended right then.

"Sobat knew. He'd seen everything. After pulling me from the water, he told me I couldn't tell anyone. Save for my parents, no one could know about my newfound power. At the time, I didn't understand. And so not long after, once my sister had been allowed to join the market outings several times and I decided she could be trusted not to spill my secret, I eagerly brought her to the water's edge. Kneeling on the docks, I focused, trying to draw up the water as I'd done before. Either the water was more complacent on that sunny day, or I'd grown stronger, because rather than dance at my fingertips as it had done before, a spout of water shot from the ocean. Letti was ecstatic. Behind us, the entire market watched in awe. After that, everyone knew of my power."

Miko bowed his head. "At the docks, I'd drawn attention to both of us. It was on our next trip to market that Letti was taken. I was above the docks, in the thick of the market when I heard her screams. By the time I made it free of the crowds, the docks were empty. A lone ship fled the bay. The cowards didn't even have the courage to fly a proper flag.

"I ran to the water. Reaching out, I tried to pull it back. But I wasn't strong enough, hadn't had nearly enough practice. And they got away." His eyes dropped closed. "It was my fault."

Nami frowned. It was true, he hadn't practiced his devil fruit ability. But who could blame him? His city was land locked. Surely he hadn't had many opportunities to practice in the first place. "You're being too hard on yourself. You couldn't control the fact that there would be pirates docked that day."

His face scrunched up. "You're wrong. I've gone over it in my head time and time again. She'd gone to the market several times before. No one took notice of her. Not until I fucked up with the water. I made people notice her. The very next trip to market she was taken."

She continued to frown. Something about it still seemed…off. But try as she might, she couldn't put her finger on exactly what it was that bugged her about the tale.

Miko continued, "I went after her. It wasn't long after I left that I realized in my one foolish act, I'd not only endangered my sister, but all of my people. I hadn't left the island for more than a day when the first person tried to kill me. They'd heard about my power, and they wanted it for themselves. I was able to survive – barely – because for the first time, I was able to truly harness the power of the sea. With it, I capsized the bastard's vessel. And that's when I realized – against the people who would come seeking the power I possess, my only hope would be to utilize my newly found devil fruit ability. If I was ever too far from the ocean, I would be vulnerable.

"And so I knew I had to find my sister, to save her, not only because I wanted to, but because I have a duty to my people, to bring home the one person who can lead them. 'Cause it can't be me. I'll only bring further warfare to them, and here, amongst the sand, I can neither protect myself or the city."

There was a moment of silence as they absorbed his words.

"So," Brook spoke, hesitant. "You are, in a way, exiled to the sea."

Hands in his pockets, Sanji nodded. "With the type of people that would want that devil fruit ability, I can see why you'd need to stay near the ocean, where you could at least use your devil fruit power to fight them off."

Luffy scowled. His eyebrows drew together as his lips puckered in a pout. "So you can't ever come home to stay? That's not fair!"

Zoro shrugged. "Life's not fair."

Miko frowned, looking at their captain. "You're an idiot if you think fairness has anything to do with the world in which we live. My parents, they want me to stay. To lead our people. But realistically, I know that I can't. I'd bring ruin upon us. I have to find Letti. Besides, there's no way I could live my life, knowing that she's just out there somewhere."

"And Ronan," she spoke, watching Miko, "he offered you a deal: work for him and he'd find your sister."

He nodded.

"And did he tell you anything? At the very least, he must have narrowed the search a bit."

"That fucker didn't tell me anything. He was closed-lipped up until he had me tossed off that cliff."

Nami paused, thinking. There was no way Ronan didn't have at least some information. From what they'd seen, his network was vast – and incredibly talented. Surely, in a year he must have heard some whisper of Letti's whereabouts. "Maybe you can come with us when we go after Ronan. Try to get him to give up any information on where your sister might be."

Miko scoffed. "You just want an extra fighter on your side." He shook his head. "I'll pass. I like to avoid suicide missions."

Having an extra fighter hadn't been her motivation when inviting him along – but still, it would help. Especially one who could wield the strength of the sea.

"You're telling me that if there's even the slightest chance Ronan could provide the information that leads you to your sister, you wouldn't come along?" She fixed him with a level stare. "You worked for the mad man for a full year just to get his help."

"I can't find Letti if I'm dead."

"Who said anything about dying?" Luffy's voice, overly loud in the cramped tent, broke the mounting tension.

"When talking about fighting Ronan, it's kind of implied." Miko said, his voice dry.

Luffy shook his head. He pressed his lips together. "Mnnnnnn."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"It means, we're gonna kick Ronan's ass and beat Geneva, and Nova, and all those other guys – and no one is dying!" Luffy puffed his chest, bracing his fists against his hips.

"That's pretty big talk."

Luffy met Miko's gaze. "Well of course! It's the truth."

At that moment, something in the teen's expression changed. Maybe it was his eyes, had they widened a fraction of an inch? Or maybe it was his lips. As he looked at Luffy, they'd dropped, losing a bit of their surly pout.

The tent flap swept back. Light flared, bright in the dim room.

A soft, feminine voice called in. "Are the guests ready? We've prepared their baths."

Sanji sucked in a breath.

Zoro folded his arms. "Someone'd better restrain shit cook."


By the time Nami emerged from the bath house, the sun had sunk low. Over the dunes, the sky bled red. Shadows stretched long over the rose colored sand. Even now, halfway to slumber, the sun's heat lingered in the smooth grains.

He could feel it, a muted but steady warmth beneath his toes. After his bath, he'd been given a robe similar to that of the tribesmen. After his boots had gotten caught in the light material for the half dozenth time, he'd removed them altogether.

As she walked, light, silken material brushed about her legs. The fabric seemed to move effortlessly with her steps. The clothing she'd been given consisted of loose, silken pants and a shirt – at least he thought it was a shirt. Cut low, it clung to the curves of her chest and left the smooth skin of her back and stomach bare.

Following the gentle curve of her hips, his eyes traced up and over her bare stomach, and paused, lingering once more over the shirt. It did remind him of the outfit she'd worn in Alabasta, in a way. It had looked fine then. Now – well now was a different story. Because now, he could act on impulses the Zoro back in Alabasta wouldn't have even considered (well maybe considered, but not seriously).

He crossed the sand in quick strides.

Reaching out, he brushed his hand lightly over the curve of her hip.

Not the least bit surprised by the touch, she turned, falling easily into his embrace.

She'd heard him coming. He was impressed. Even now, she was still improving; becoming more aware of her surroundings.

She played with his robe, brushing where the fabric parted at his chest. Beneath the setting sun, her upturned face was bathed in rose. When her eyes flicked down, rolling over his exposed skin, her eyelashes fluttered, dark shadows on freckled cheeks.

His thumbs traced along her hips, lingering where her hipbones sat above silk. She sighed, leaning into the touch.

They kissed, drawing together beneath the red sky. Her lips were soft, still warm from the steam of the bath. His hands slid up, fingers caressing her sides, roving over her back. When she pulled back, their noses brushed, and something in him relaxed.

Bending, he touched his forehead to hers. She smelled, fresh – floral. Closing his eyes, he breathed. Lilac? Cherry blossom? It was pointless. He was no good with flowers. Whatever it was, it smelled nice.

Letting his forehead rest against hers a moment longer, he breathed out, emptying his lungs. When he opened his eyes, he breathed in, filling his chest with the smell of flowers and the clean, dry scent of the sea of sand.

"I think this is the most relaxed I've seen you, since all of this began."

He felt her hand, a soft touch against his cheek.

He hadn't thought he'd be capable of relaxing, not while Ronan was out there. But here, in the middle of the dessert, somehow, some semblance of peace had wormed its way into his heart.

He thought aloud. "The trip here took at least three hours and wind erased our tracks as we walked. Even with the talents that Ronan's team possess, it would take time and effort to find us here. Besides, among these people, there are seasoned warriors. If an enemy did manage to make it here, we wouldn't have to fight alone."

"You thought about all that on the way here?"

"You didn't exactly make good company."

She flicked his chest. "You were the one who told me to sleep. Besides," she ran a hand over his chest, smoothing where she'd flicked, "I can be good company now."

"You're relaxed too."

She shrugged, the corner of her lips twitching up. "I trust these people. Anyway, I'll take any chance I can get to have at least a little normalcy amidst this craziness." For a split second, her expression wavered. "Who knows what'll happen once we leave."

"Hey." Touching his thumb to her chin, he tilted her head until she met his eyes. If she wanted a normal night, just hanging out, having fun, he could play along. Hell, maybe he needed it as much as she did.

"For the rest of the night then. No talking – even thinking about Ronan, his assassins, or anything like that. We're taking the evening off."

Her lips parted in the beginning of a smile. "We came here so that we could come up with a plan, you know."

"Fine. Start planning at midnight, when this night's officially over. Until then, we're gonna eat, have fun, and relax. Anyway, these guys planned a feast for us. They'd probably be pretty pissed if we didn't at least take part in the party."

The final, struggling rays of sunlight glinted in her eyes as the sun at long last surrendered to the horizon. And then she smiled. "Midnight. That reminds me of a fairy tale. Aright. It's a deal."


At the center of the cleared space, a bonfire burned. Bright flames twisted high, as if reaching for the stars that blanketed the sky. At its base, thick slabs of wood crackled in the heat. Though the sound was barely audible over the stringed instruments' sharp hum. The melody rose and fell, bright and harsh in the night.

The festivities following the feast had begun. The feast, five courses altogether, had been an event in itself, and had left all participants in a bloated, semi-haze. But bloated or not, they were moving now.

Around the fire, men and women spun together, dancing along with the winding tune. It had taken less than half a song for Luffy and Chopper to join in. Holding the Chopper's hooves, Luffy had spun in a circle, head thrown back, as he cackled at the stars.

Not long after, Franky rose, his hips swaying in time with the song. Stopping before the archaeologist, he'd held out a hand. After a moment's hesitation, she rose. And by the time the next song had begun, Robin laughed as Franky held her hand, turning her in easy pirouettes over the sand.

As the song transitioned into the next, the pair continued to dance.

Relegated to the sidelines, Sanji watched the pair dance, chin in hand.

After Franky dipped her back, Robin leaned in, resting her hand on the cyborg's chest.

Sanji blinked. "Son of a bitch." He reached for a cigarette.

Only after it was lit did he look to Zoro for confirmation. "Them too, huh?"

For a brief moment, he wondered if maybe he wasn't supposed to tell. But then again, it didn't seem like they were trying to hide it. Leaning back, he braced his hands behind his head. "Yup."

Sanji took a long, slow drag. He blew the smoke out in a steady stream. "How the hell did two gorgeous women manage to fall for both your stupid asses?"

Zoro's shoulders lifted in a shrug. Hell if he knew. But he wasn't going to tell the shit cook that. He sipped his drink. "Can't say for Franky. But Nami obviously fell for my rugged charm and quick wit."

"Actually, it was his ass."

Pecking him on the cheek, Nami dropped beside him. She winked over her drink.

"Nami-san, I think you mean he is an ass."

She laughed. "Well that too. An ass with an ass."

He glanced at her drink. "You're drunk."

"Nope." She took a sip. "Just happy." Tilting her head back, she looked at the stars. "We've been through so much in such a short amount of time. It almost feels surreal."

Zoro nodded. He knew what she meant. In the last few weeks they'd gone from one trial to the next, without time to process one event before the arrival of a new threat.

Tipping her drink back, Nami emptied it. Grinning, she stood. "Come dance with me."

"I don't dance."

Hands on her hips, she cajoled, "Come on…"

"No."

She pouted, turning up her nose. "Fine. I'll just ask Sanji…kun?" She looked around. "Where the hell did he go?"

On the other side of the fire, there sounded a jubilant laugh. Sanji danced, a woman on his arm. The woman leaned in, pressing closer. A trickle of red leaked from the cook's nose.

Zoro heaved a sigh, "That asshole's gonna get us kicked out. We're supposed to be watching him."

"At worst he'll just bleed everywhere." She held out her hand. "Come on, let's dance!"

"Seriously Nami, not gonna happen."

A shadow detached from the dancing mass. Wani tapped her shoulder, a sheen of sweat over his brow. "If you'd like, I'd be happy to share this dance with you, navigator-san."

And then he was on his feet, her hand in his. "I just remembered. I can dance." Pulling her towards the flames, he scowled over his shoulder at the man they'd left behind them.

Spinning to face him, Nami trailed her fingers up his sides. "So jealous." She said, teasing.

"You wanted to dance. We're dancing."

Her eyes trailed down. "I'm dancing. You're swaying."

He frowned. Well what the hell else was he supposed to do? He'd been telling the truth the first time around. He had no idea how to dance.

She laughed. Grabbing his arms, she pulled him closer. Pressed against him, she stood on her toes. Her lips were at his ear. "I'll show you." Turning, she dragged him with her.

Bodies moved around them, their shapes causing the firelight to flicker and dance.

Her hands were on his chest, at his hips. She twisted, her body's smooth movements flickered like snapshots in the orange, dancing light. He was mesmerized.

He might not be able to dance. But he could follow. He'd never admit it, but he'd been trusting her sense of direction for years. And so that's what he did.

Together they moved, bodies finding a rhythm. Her arm snaked over his shoulders, fingers gripping the back of his neck as his hands found their way to her hips, dragging her closer.

Behind them, the flames danced brighter.

Her hips rolled, grinding against him and he felt her lips, her breath, uneven against his neck.

His hands were at her hips, her back, as he held her, fingers kneading her skin. He could feel the fire's heat prickling over his back. The fingers at the back of his neck curled, her lips parted, breath hitching against his skin.

And then, she was gone. He had but a moment to miss her touch before his hand was grabbed in a tight grasp. With a tug, she drew him through the crowd.


Pulse racing, she slipped through the throng. Her body felt hot, overheated, as if the flames from the bonfire had taken residence inside her.

Sand shifted beneath their feet as they hurried up the embankment. The orange light dimmed as the music faded behind them. In the place of the fire's glow, the stars and the pale, crescent moon bathed them in a white light.

At the tent, reaching back for the flap, she stumbled.

And then his arm was around her waist. With a grin, he pulled her against him.

He'd caught her.

His lips were on hers.

He always caught her.

Strong arms lifted. Her legs bent, automatically wrapping around him.

He pushed forward and the tent parted with the whisper of fabric against skin. Soft pillows were at her back - and his hands - they were on her hips, her stomach, her breasts, as his lips trailed demanding kisses on her jaw, down her neck.

Her hands tightened, nails marking his back as her legs squeezed, dragging him closer. He rolled his hips and his length pressed, hard and hot against her.

Her breath shuddered. Fingers digging into her hips, he rolled again and she moaned. Lips parting she pressed frenzied kisses at sensitive juncture of his neck and shoulder, nipping and sucking at the skin.

And then his hand was at her jaw. Tilting her head, he captured her lips fervent kiss. As his tongue pressed between her lips, his other hand rose, kneading her breast. His thumb worked quick, rough circles over the achingly thin material of her top, and she arched into his touch.

As he pulled back, she captured his bottom lip, biting it between her teeth. And then her shirt was gone, discarded onto the pillows in two tattered pieces.

Hot hands gripped the backs of her thighs, dragging her across pillows and silk, flush against him. Her hands were on him, dragging the robe off his shoulders as his fingers ran down her body, feeling for where the elastic band of her pants draped low on her hips.

They moved together with an aching need, their movements punctuated by a quiet, nameless desperation. The prospect of tomorrow and the days that would follow left her with a sense of dread, undefinable and abstract, but a near visceral feeling nonetheless. Whether Zoro felt it or not, she couldn't tell, but he moved as she did. Urgent. Fast.

Together, inside the small tent, the future that lingered beyond the flimsy, fabric walls suddenly seemed far too uncertain. She wanted him. And she wanted him now.

As if possessed by the fire roaring at the feast below, they came together like crackling, eager flame, burning tendrils twisting into the dark sky, defiant in the face of night.


I knooowww I kind of copped out at the end. But I'm pretty sure this website doesn't allow scenes that are incredibly explicit? If enough people want me to *ahem* elaborate on the scene, I might consider writing it and posting to my tumblr.

Anyway, hope you liked it! Thanks for reading!