Author's note: Hello reader! Thank you so much for reading up to this point. The last chapter may or may not have given you a scare but everything should be back to normal knowing that I have such sweet supportive readers. Writing is exhausting but knowing that people want to read and look forward to the updates brings me immense joy. Thanks again.

Now on to the chapter!

"And we'll be camping afterwards. We're gonna have a fire and everything, right Nami? " said Luffy handing Nami who was on a step ladder two cans of milk.

"Yeah. Pass me the tuna next please."

Mr. Brook sat down at his dining table while his two former students help pack his kitchen cupboard. It was a huge help and he loved their visits.

'Yohohohoho' "That sounds wonderful, Luffy-san."

Nami got down the ladder with Luffy's help- he was such a gentleman lately - and went to pack the perishable goods in the fridge.

She made sure to be extra careful today and wore pants instead of a skirt. The last time she was packing the shelves a few visits ago, Brook had pretended to slip, conveniently landing face up by the foot of the ladder. Nami however, was no fool and had almost gorged his eyeballs out with her heels. She gave him an earful that day and he promised not to do it again but she wasn't planning on giving him a second chance. The audacity of the old man was beyond her.

There was a knock at the door and Mr. Brook opened to find his fellow resident Ms. Charlotte Linlin who was rumoured to have birthed a total of 85 children from her past 43 husbands. Her nickname was Big Mum. A new girl and according to her, his biggest fan and he couldn't shake her off his tail.

"How are you, Soul King?"

"Please don't call me that, young lady." Those days of his wild youth were long over.

Linlin giggled behind her hands. "I have a present for you. Here." She pushed the white paper bag in his hands, gave him a wink and walked away with a swing to her hips.

Big Mum happened to overhear him asking the young nurses for a particular item and she had just the thing.

Mr. Brook watched her disappear down the hall and back down at the 'present'. Opening it was a mistake. He pulled out a pair of red super-sized, gigantic, lacy undies and it was a wonder he didn't die right there and then.

"What's that?"

"That's none of your business, Luffy, " said Nami but seeing the teacher dump the bag in the bin made her curious too but she chose not to pry. They had a big day ahead of them after all. She didn't have time for chit chat.

"It's nothing, " he said smiling uncomfortably wide and he saw Nami reach for Luffy's hand. "You kids have fun at the beach."

"We will. Sorry we can't stay longer today, we gotta run. We'll tell you all about it when we get back. "

"I'll look forward to it."

Mr. Brook wasn't his usual self and when Nami was about to take her leave, Luffy said:

"Did you get your violin looked at as yet?"

" As a matter of fact, I did. She plays like a charm now. I was hoping to play when you stopped by. "

Luffy took Nami by the waist and extended her hand with his to the right.

"We'd love to hear it and we can practice dancing like last time, Nami. Just like Brook showed us. "

Nami regarded him frowning with a knot in her brows.

"Luffy, we don't have time for this."

"We have plenty of time. "

Together they had to pick up last minute things in preparation for their trip and Nami wanted to cross them off her list as soon as possible.

"You just want to show off again."

She placed her free hand on her boyfriend's shoulder like how Mr. Brook taught her.

"It's not my fault you're bad at this."

" Who said I was bad? "

Luffy looked down. "Your feet are all wrong."

"I knew that. I was testing you."

Nami straightened up, her face bright pink.

"Still wrong."

"Hey-!"

Brook chuckled already positioning the instrument under his chin.

"Has anyone told you two that you fight like an old married couple?"

"You're the 8th person," said Nami.

"9th." Luffy matched Nami's glare.

When the music started let's just say that Nami stomped extra hard on his feet that morning and she did a good job making it look like an accident.

The big day came fast and everyone was already seated in the van all set to go. All except Zoro.

Robin sitting at the wheel turned to the next page of her book in silence and Nami slumped over the dashboard wearing the biggest frown known to mankind.

They should've already left a whole 20 minutes ago.

"Told you guys we shouldn't trust Zoro with directions," Sanji argued.

"My house isn't far from Luffy's," Nami sighed. "How dense can he be?"

"Isn't that-?" Luffy stood behind the driver's seat and pointed at a wild marimo that came out of no where. He strolled pass and headed in the complete opposite direction.

"ZORO!"

i

i

On the way to everyone's surprise, the most talkative of them all was not Luffy or Usopp. It was Nami.

Like everything else she wanted to be prepared and as a result she asked questions. Way too many to remember.

They all underestimated how badly she had waited for this day and as far as they were concerned, she was in for a treat.

Six painful hours later, they emerged from the winding tunnel leading them into Cocoyashi village and Nami gasped out loud seeing the glistening wide blue in the distance.

It was better than she expected and she was overflowing with excitement.

It was a beautiful day for the beach. The sun shined bright, little to no clouds in sight and the calm waters invited all.

Once parked, Nami raced out the vehicle and kicked her shoes off blending her feet in the rough warm sand. She spread her arms out with a face splitting grin feeling the sea breeze coil with her hair.

There were a few families present but Nami was convinced that this moment was for her and hers only.

Those she left behind watched her in wonder and amusement.

"Did Nami hit her head somewhere?"

"What's that supposed to mean, mosshead?"

"I think Nami looks very happy," said Chopper with a smile. Usopp agreed.

Sanji and Zoro started fighting in the back and it took one chilly look from their teacher to get them to stop.

Luffy wanted to join Nami but just as he was about to reach for the door, Nami stripped right down to her bikini, shimmying her shorts off her waist and made a mad dash towards the water.

Everyone stopped and stared. Sanji on the other hand tried fighting back a nosebleed but failed miserably.

"Oi Nami, wait up!"

Luffy discarded his shirt already wearing his swimming trunks and went after her.

On close inspection those two were wearing matching swim suits following the same rainbow theme. The store employee that helped them suggested it and they didn't mind one bit.

The water splashed against Nami's hurrying legs and she shivered at the unexpected cold but braved it submerging herself till the water reached her chin. she dunked her head under and Nami broke the surface all smiles tasting the salt on her lips. The water was so clear, she could see her arms and feet.

Nami saw Luffy standing hesitant at the shoreline.

"What are you waiting for, Luffy? The water's perfect."

She swam more into the deep and Luffy gulped.

"You're pretty far out, Nami."

"Come join me."

"I can't."

"I have to get my floaties first."

Nami snorted. "Floaties? Seriously? You're kidding."

"I'm not- and it's not funny. I can't swim."

"Really?" Nami stood brushing her wet bangs out the way.

"Really."

"Can you at least come over to where I'm standing?"

"As soon as I get my floaties."

"Please?"

Luffy who was on route to the van took a beeline into the chilly waters and he stopped himself when it reached his bellybutton.

"I'm not sure about this..."

"You'll be fine."

Seconds away from his destination, Luffy caught Nami's smirk too late and one second later found himself drop below the shallow point and he was splashing about, gasping for air. He thought he was going to die.

When he regained footing, Nami's laughter drowned his ears.

"You'll pay for that, Nami!"

How she managed to stay afloat and cool-headed was incredible and the envy was real.

She swam towards him after piping down and splashed water in his face. Luffy coughed and grinned back.

"You were saying?"

Nami screamed at the top of her lungs when Luffy returned the favour and they were at it like children.

On shore, Zoro helped blow up Chopper's floaties and helped put them on. Luffy's was next but by the looks of it, he wouldn't be needing it anytime soon.

Sanji emptied the van and retrieved Ms. Robin's beach chair and set her umbrella nice and sturdy in the sand. She offered to help but he urged her to sit and relax after the long tiresome drive dragging Usopp by the nose to help instead.

He noticed a bottle and his nose holes flared and a blush stained his cheeks.

"Oi Nami-san! Do you need sunscreen?"

"No thanks, Sanji-kun." She had applied some before leaving home.

"What about you, Robin-chan?"

"I'd love some," she smiled and Sanji was all giddy eyed as she allowed him to rub her shoulders as soon as she removed her coverup to reveal her purple and flowered one piece bathing suit.

Zoro glared daggers at the cook but he didn't give a shit. He was in heaven.

Soon the grill was up and Robin had an ice-cold drink in hand to compliment her read.

Sanji wore an apron as he seasoned the meat and grinned proudly as the smells danced in the air when it sizzled in the heat.

His shitty friends and his precious teacher and the darling Nami-swan must be starving. He was going to make them a meal of a lifetime.

Usopp and Chopper after taking a dip were now buliding sand castles and Zoro after a beer was doing laps across the bay.

All hadn't been to the beach in ages and this was the ideal change of scenery.

Nami's arms grew tired and she told Luffy to stop. He was a ball of endless energy and she believed he had enough left to last the entire day but she was tired of this game.

When peace returned to the disturbed sea, Nami hugged Luffy's bare shoulders. They were broader than she recalled and she leaned her forehead on his, noses barely touching and a smile beaming like diamonds on her face.

"Hey Nami."

"Hm?"

"Are fishes under water wet or dry?"

"That's a stupid question."

"No it isn't."

"Yes it is."

"What do you think?"

"Fish under water are wet of course."

"Wrong!"

"How am I wrong?"

"You have to be dry first before you get wet."

"And your point is?"

"A fish under water can't be wet so the answer is dry. Usopp, Chopper and I thought long and hard about it. It's common sense."

Nami rolled her eyes and giggled at the silliness of it all. Wet or dry- it didn't matter. A fish is a fish. If he found one that could talk- god forbid- he could ask it.

"Do you get it now, Nami?"

"Hai-hai."

"Do you agree or not?"

"I agree to disagree."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Luffy scratched his damp hair and Nami hugged his neck. Her head now leaning casually against his.

She was smiling hard and though Luffy couldn't see, he just knew it.

"You seem happy."

"And the sky is blue. This is the greatest day of my life."

"Really?"

"Yeah. And it wouldn't be the same without a special someone."

"Who?"

"You."

'Shishishishishi'

"Do you hear that?"

"What?"

"A child."

Nami looked to the coast and sure enough, a young boy, no older than 10 years old, stood crying between the litter of people. At once Nami went to him with Luffy following closely behind.

The child had a top knot and Luffy right away didn't like him. He was a big cry baby and we all know how Luffy feels about those.

"What's wrong?"

"Leave me alone!" he snapped but choked in surprise at the voluptuous onee-chan. She dazzled in the sunlight and he went quick to her open arms and sniffled on her soft cushiony breasts. He was on cloud 9.

"Are you lost?"

He nodded and sobbed some more for added measure enjoying the rewards of

being a damsel in distress.

"It's okay now. We are going to help you."

"We?"

Just then he noticed the disinterested older kid.

"I'm Nami and this is Luffy. We'll help you find your parents."

"I say we leave him, Nami. He'll find his way." Compared to his grandfather's training this was nothing.

"How can you say that? I'm not leaving a poor, defenseless crying child on his own and that's final."

Luffy shrugged feeling bored.

"What's your name, anyway?" he asked. Surely the coward had a name at least.

"M-"

"Momonosuke!"

Momonosuke froze and held the busty onee-chan closer.

"Mark. My name's Mark."

"Momonusuke!" Came the shout again and the 'lost' boy tried making himself smaller against Nami's frame, pressing into her with a look reminding Luffy of the strange way Sanji set his face everytime he got close to a girl.

"Mark? That doesn't suit you." Luffy said and he made a disgusted face.

"Nami-chan that weird guy is scaring me." cried Momo and he smirked in Luffy's direction seeing him recoil in fright at the expression Nami sent his way.

She stood with the little pervert on her hip and assured the child that she thought his name was wonderful and she began walking away.

"Wait Nami. Where are you going?"

"To find Mark's parents, of course."

"I'll come with you."

"That won't be necessary." she said and Luffy's jaw dropped seeing 'Mark' look over her shoulder and pull down an eyelid.

Luffy knew off the bat that he was no good.

"Excuse me. My name is Kinemon and I'm looking for my son."

The man who approached was tall like Mr. Brook. The fact alone fascinated him.

"Your son, you say. Is he lost?"

"Yes. He's about this tall and wears his hair in a top knot. His name is Momonosuke."

"Can't say I have. Hope you find him."

Kinemon left anxious as ever and it took Luffy 15 seconds to hit the nail on the head.

He was right about that kid and seeing him being scolded by his father was worth all the satisfaction in the world.

Minutes later, Luffy and Nami sat side by side on the sand, allowing the waves to come tickle their feet.

"You're a real softie when it comes to children, huh Nami?"

"And what if I am?"

"Momo liked you a lot. He had you wrapped around his fingers."

Nami clicked her tongue.

"It's little finger. Not fingers."

"Isn't that the same thing?"

"It's not."

"Anyways, I'm surprised how quickly you forgave him."

"He is a child, Luffy."

"He lied."

"You lie too even though you're terrible at it."

"And he is a cry baby."

"So?"

"When I have kids, I'll teach them how not to be cry babies and how to fend for themselves."

"When I have kids, I'll teach them that it's not okay to lie especially in a situation like that. And to always stay close to me where it's safe and sound. Some bad person might snatch them away and hurt them."

"Not if I can help it."

"What do you mean?"

Nami looked him in the eyes and caught a look. Saw his cheeks dust with pink and he looked away clearing his throat.

"It's simple really. I'll never make that happen."

Nami tilted her head not really getting it and Luffy stood suddenly and shook the sand off his shorts.

"Wanna see something cool?"

There was a smooth pebble in his hand and he plunged it forward with a grace Nami didn't know he had. It skipped not two, not three but 6 times across the sea and Nami clapped in amazement.

Luffy's chest swelled and he tried again. Before he could barely pass three. When the stone hopped 6 times, he was just as dumbfounded as Nami. And he stepped back and ran forward aiming for 8 only to get 6 again.

"Can I try?"

"Sure."

Nami being equally competitive got hers to skip 8 times on her first try and Luffy's head was red with jealousy. He even accused her of cheating so an argument ensued.

In the midst of their anger and annoyance, Luffy hoisted Nami on his shoulder and threw her back in the water. She couldn't believe he could do such a thing and they wrestled and laughed soaking wet. And were to occupied with the other to notice they had gathered a small audience after all the commotion.

An old married couple indeed.

Resuming their spot, they huddled together shivering, water bounced off their eyelashes as they sat exhausted and in a giggling fit.

Their joy didn't go unnoticed however as Usopp and Chopper looked over at them a little upset that Luffy didn't notice the humongous robot they made out of sand.

"Is Luffy ever going to play with us, Usopp?"

"I'm sure he will. He's a little busy at the moment."

"I've never heard Nami laugh or seen her smile this much before. It's nice."

"That's what a girl in love looks like, Chopper," said leaning forward on her hand regarding the couple with a smile behind her dark sunglasses.

It was really a great day.

"Oi Usopp. Go tell that idiot Luffy and my sweet Nami-san that the food will be ready in 5 minutes."

"Sure."

"You okay, Usopp?" asked Chopper.

The sharpshooter gave him a thumbs up and a grin.

"I'm not at my full power today but I'll be all right."

Chopper watched his friend's retreating back with stars and tears in his eyes. Usopp was clearly the coolest person he knew.

That same long nose approached the idiot couple slowly, a shadow over his eyes, and Nami and Luffy dressed over as he squeezed his way between them sitting down with arms around both their necks and held them close till their faces touched his.

Luffy's face was blank not knowing what was going on and Nami on the other hand was concerned.

"Is something wrong?"

He let them go and smiled with his eyes closed towards the sun; his hands anchoring him up as he leaned back.

"I never got to tell you guys thank you for coming out to clarify things with Kaya."

"That wasn't a problem, Usopp. No sweat." 'Shishishishishi'

Nami touched Usopp's shoulder and he turned to her and saw the worry swimming in her eyes.

"How did it go? You confessed, right?"

She had been meaning to ask him for a while now but chose to be patient.

"I did."

Nami's lips pulled to the sides of her face but they fell soon after.

"Things didn't work out as I hoped. I told Kaya I liked her a whole lot and she said she liked me too."

"I don't get it."

"By the looks of it, Luffy, Usopp is to Kaya her very good friend."

"Oh."

"She also thanked me for being her companion."

"So Kaya doesn't feel the same way," said Luffy and Usopp nodded.

Nami bit her lip thinking to herself that she should have known. When she hung out with Kaya, she didn't speak of Usopp in a way that made her seem she was interested in him in a romantically. It was a pity but beyond her control.

"Did you tell her that you wanted her to be your girlfriend?"

"I didn't."

"Well-"

"Luffy. That's enough." Nami gave him a look and he understood.

Usopp was sulking at this point and Luffy aware that he had made the situation worse patted his back.

"I gave it some thought and I don't think I could ever like Kaya enough like the way Luffy likes you, Nami."

He wasn't too familiar with romance. His dad left home when he was at a tender age to pursue his selfish desires and all he had left was his mum who to this day was in and out of hospital due to her illness so they hardly sat down to have proper mother-son talks. The couples on TV were unrealistic but through Luffy and Nami's relationship, he knew what it was genuinely like to like somebody from the heart.

"Don't compare yourself to-" Nami started but Usopp cut her off.

"I'm not. I think that Kaya is pretty and all and I like the fact that I cheer her up with my stories. She makes me feel important. But that's as far as it goes.

I admire the relationship between you two. The way you lean on each other in trying times and able to build each other back up again. I'd like something like that and I don't see that..."

"With Kaya."

"Right. So I hope you understand. You routed for me, Nami. Sorry to disappoint you.

Nami engulfed him in a hug.

"Don't worry about it, Usopp. I bet you have a huge weight off your shoulders now."

"That's exactly how I feel."

" "What's meant to be won't pass you by." My dad told me that so hope it helps, Usopp."

"You and Kaya are still friends, right?" asked Nami. She needed confirmation.

"Of course we are."

"Well cling to that friendship and take things slow. Kaya's a nice girl and who knows, maybe she might just end up liking you in return and would want to do more for you one day. Just have faith."

"In Kaya?"

"No. In yourself. What's meant for you won't pass you by, remember?" Nami smiled Luffy's way and he beamed and was all teeth. "Believe those words. It could be Kaya, it could be anyone. The good thing is that you know what you want so don't let anyone convince you any different."

Usopp rubbed his itchy eyes and hugged back.

"Thanks guys."

'Shishishishishi' "No problem."

The sun was beginning to set and Sanji gave them one final call for supper. It was to die for and Usopp was in the highest of spirits standing proud showing off the robot he built (with Chopper's help) to a star struck Luffy. He couldn't handle the awesomeness and insisted they make an even bigger one next which was 10 times the awesome.

Sanji in the middle of decorating his plate shook his head at the idiot trio and was shocked to see that Nami had hardly touched her food.

"Something wrong, Nami-san?"

Nami left her dazed state, pulled her towel closer around her body and regarded the cook.

"Not at all, Sanji-kun. The food is delicious. It's just that I've never seen a more beautiful sunset."

The sky was a brilliant mix of brilliant golds and reds. The clouds stood still like art on a canvas.

"Not as beautiful as you, Nami-san."

Zoro on his last fork full swore he vomited a little in his mouth.

"I'm just happy I could experience this with all of you."

Sanji noodle danced away to refill Robin's drink.

And Nami looked to her side and was not surprised to have caught Luffy's stare. She sent a sweet little smile his way and with wrinkled brows and shovel in hand, he turned back to follow another of Usopp's orders.

Turning back to her show, Nami brushed off the concern. Now all she desired was to be in the moment, to take it all in. Inch by inch. Before it was over.

Around the fire, they toasted marshmallows and Usopp told scary tales of vile creatures that lingered in the night and snatched anything in sight that had a heartbeat. Chopper clung to Zoro's side the entire time and Luffy who was always excited for Usopp's stories for the first time was not paying attention.

He was sitting facing Nami, the fire blazing between them and he stared and stared catching her reactions down to every look of disbelief, amusement and his all time favourite, her smiles.

Something was definitely different and he tilted his head when she nodded off and went out like a light bulb on Robin's shoulder. It was cute and his cheeks matched the flames. She hadn't slept a wink the night before and they had left before the break of dawn so she had good reason.

Robin patted her head softly and addressed her students.

"Everyone here helped make today extra special for Nami. I trust that you all had a good time? What about you, Zoro?"

Zoro's face warmed. To have her single him out like that had caught him off guard. He nodded.

"I'm sure we all did. Thanks for taking the time out to take us."

"That's no problem at all. I was just doing this one a favour." She smiled down at the sleeping girl she considered as close as a friend and called her out of sleep.

In her wake, Nami stood and responded to the few good nights with a wave of her hand and sleepy smile and went lazily to her tent she shared with Robin.

She collapsed into her pillow and returned to slumber effortlessly with the little help of the sound of waves. Grateful and lucky was she for the day one of her dreams came true and for having each and everyone of her friends in her life.

Luffy's mood skydived since she left. If anyone noticed, they didn't utter a word. They were leaving for home tomorrow early and bright and while everyone was fast asleep, Luffy to his dismay, couldn't sleep a wink.

The van was packed well and tight and the first stop was the nearest fast food chain. There wasn't time for Sanji to make breakfast so finding the nearest drive through was essential.

Everyone made their orders besides

"Luffy?" Nami looked in her rearview mirror and spun around with her eyes wide to see her boyfriend out cold anchoring on Zoro.

"Is he okay?"

"He's just tired."

Hours later, Luffy was nudged awake. He was the first to drop off. He however was surprised to see that Zoro had switched places with Nami.

"I didn't drool on you, did I?"

"No Luffy."

"You sure?"

"I'm sure. You're home now." She smiled and pointed at the wrapped breakfast on his lap. It was still warm.

"That's for you," she said and he almost cried at the completeness of her hug. Surprising himself that he didn't beg her to stay.

He entered the empty house and saw some cash and change on the coffee table along with a credit card for just in case and a list of emergency contacts and chores.

Dragon was away on a 3 day business trip leaving Luffy all alone in this big old house.

He knew how much Luffy disliked being on his own but knew that he had friends he could invite over anytime he liked.

But for once, Luffy didn't want his friends.

He wanted Nami.

To be continued...

Author's Note (2 author notes in one chapter? Bet you didn't see that one coming xD)Someone asked me if I've seen the recent cup noodle commercial. I DID and that scene where Nami was in the infirmary with all her friends around her and Luffy being the most worried of them all was cuteness overload. I want more. Lots more!I try to keep up to date with everything One Piece on Twitter (twitter account name on my profile). I also know about the the three statues of the strawhats (Luffy, Usopp and Sanji respectively.) I wanna go see them for myself up close and personal. That'll be the day!Thanks for reading! :D-Awsme Grl