I do not own anything besides these words and the cover art.

"Just admit it, I'm a better fighter than you," Nami said proudly as she faked a punch at him.

They stood in the shambled mansion and waited on their infamous coaches. In the meantime, Nami was smugly parading her skillset over Zoro, who tried not to pay her any mind.

"Nami, just because you can outmaneuver or beat me in a game, doesn't mean you're a better fighter. This isn't a video game," Zoro said as he tightened his bandages. They never practiced with gloves, which was tougher on his bones but Zoro had built up a resistance. He threw out a few jabs. Nami watched the rapid movements as each hit the same spot in the air and returned to him with lightning speed. She pouted and started copying him. Zoro glanced and smirked, "You aren't even doing it right."

Nami fumed, "Shut up. You think this is so hard. I'm doing exactly what you did."

Zoro walked up to her and grabbed her hands. He pressed each fist to either side of her face. "When you are defending, your hands should never be in front of you. If you get hit, your opponent will basically be using your own hands as ammunition. You need to keep them at either side of your face, like this."

Nami adjusted her hands and extended, but Zoro caught it once again. "No, no. I get that you're trying to copy me but you're getting sloppy. Look, keep the punches at eye level and always follow through. Follow your punch with your eyes, but keep your feet firm on the ground."

Nami tried again, but Zoro came behind her and moved her feet apart, adjusted her stance so her body was at an angle. "Look, you need to make sure you aren't picking your feet up or twisting your body around. You need to be grounded."

She wanted to tease him but suddenly became so preoccupied with making sure her form was correct. Zoro took it in and then walked in front of her, "Okay, watch me. This is a left jab. It is the most basic punch. You are going to extend your hand, remember to keep eye level, and turn your body slightly so you are not open to your opponent."

Nami practiced and Zoro would correct her here or there, "Listen, don't forget about your other hand. It needs to keep you protected so don't move it away."

Nami groaned and wondered why it was so difficult for her to move her body parts move independently of each other, and Zoro took notice. "Stop overthinking it. It's…it's like a dance. Dance, don't you worry, just pretend you are going to dance. Balance yourself, but you are going to swing."

She mimicked his movements and grunted when she made an impact. Zoro then made her repeat herself over and over. He would come close, his hands dragging along her skin like silk, goosebumps rose at the touch. He taught her the right cross and left hook. He would number them and then make her do them repeatedly. Nami's arms were growing tired, but she did not want to stop least he mocked her for not keeping up.

Zoro chuckled and collected her into his arms, "Looks like you just might be a fighter."

"Really?" she panted into his chest, "you think I'm better than you?'

Zoro teased her, "Not even close. And I wouldn't say you're a boxer…but a different kind of fighter."

"Like what?" Nami said as she wiped the sweat from her brow.

Zoro tilted his head to the side and tucked a hair behind her ear, "An assassin."

Nami giggled, "Hmm…just your type, huh?"

They grew quiet for a moment, only Nami's quiet breathing in between them, but then a series of slow claps came from the entryway.

"Look, dear, they think they can just go off and teach themselves, now."

Mihawk kissed Boa's jawline and grinned, "Guess we're out of a job."

Boa smiled, "Why don't we put them to the test then? You take your little gunslinger and I'll take the boy," she took Mihawk's chin and brushed his perfect beard, "Then we'll see which one of us is a better teacher."

Mihawk grinned and kissed her hand up to the wrist, "Cara mia, I love it when you play games. Win or lose, I feel like I already have a prize."

Zoro and Nami glanced at each other and blanched. They did not want to be the pawns in some twisted sex game Mihawk and Boa had, but there was very little they could do, so they said the only thing that came to their heads together, "Fuck."

Boa chuckled and spoke in quick French, "Mais tu vas te faire défoncer."

Nami groaned and Zoro tried to gauge what just happened as the pair approached them. "Nami, what the hell did she say?"

Nami started stretching and gave him a grave look, "We're gonna get screwed."

Zoro did not have time to ask her if she meant literally or metaphorically, because Boa pulled him by the ear into the other room to practice, and from there, the groans of a very intense workout began.

Music Inspiration/Theme: "Ta Fête" (Stromae)

Alright, babes, I wanted to do more since I did not post last week, but this is as far as I could get with work and that jazz. Anyway, look at them- trying to admit their feelings, but they are not quite there yet, HOWEVER, don't worry, they are opening up to each other. Healing is a slow and painful process, but the scars that heal over wounds are wonderful (in my opinion).

As always- review & follow—and check out my other story, Mugiwara Mag, for the kinky sex bits I am withholding here. The plot is VERY important. And the plot here is a bit more dramatic and heavy, while MM is quite a bit more…loose…and just sex. It's lots of sex. Ha-ha. Jesus, forgive me for the premarital nasty business:P

Until the next time, babes!

UPDATE: Totally forgot to tell ya'll but I actually have been trying to lose weight and have fun working out, so I went to boxing class. Haha. I did not even think of this story, but wow, I learned it is so much harder than it looks, and I am literally Nami and cannot move my body parts independently of each other. When I have tons of power and move quickly, my form is sloppy. When I take my take and make sure everything is right, I move like molasses. FYI, this is great for the story cause I think I can make more realistic viewpoints, but I've stopped my classes cause my trial period ended, but maybe I'll go back...cause I wanna be ripped like Zoro...haha. I mean, Nami is pretty built, too. Unfortunately, with the drawing style, all your see is unrealistic jiggling boobs. Haha. Anyway, stay tuned. P.S. I was hella sore after my first class and legit couldn't go to sleep at one point. My "coach" suggest an Epsom (have been calling it Epson...like the printer...this entire time...so embarrassing) salt bath...so...lovelies...guess who is gonna need another bath together;P STAY TUNED!

XoXo shipfiend