Chapter 4
A few hours later…
Zoro sat up under the tangerine trees, wanting to be hidden from the rest of the crew. The night sky was clear above him, displaying its stars like a blanket of diamonds. Everything appeared as calm as the sea on the outside, but inside, Zoro's mind was feverently turning.
What did she mean, why am I always saving her? I'm not… am I? Zoro's eyebrows knitted together in confusion. Why did she ask? He thought of the several times he saw her in danger, only to move her out of the way. There had even been times he shielded her, just barely making it before any harm was done. "Fine, you don't have to save me anymore." Her words from earlier echoed in his mind.
"I never had to," he whispered, partly repeating his original reply. It was never something he had to do… he just did it. Every time they were together, he had a heightened sense of awareness. He would never let anything happen to her.
His mind shifted to the events from earlier that day. What was he thinking? Something he worked so hard to protect, yet he couldn't save her from himself. Zoro sighed in frustration, running a calloused hand through his short green hair. Thoughts came back of her body struggling against his. The citrus scent of her hair had been so heady when he leaned in; he had almost forgotten what was happening. Then she had begun to lean in to him. He wanted to hold her. Wanted to apologize for hurting her and scaring her, but he couldn't. The anger was just too great. Or was he afraid?
Zoro groaned. He didn't like this. What the hell's wrong with me? Suddenly footsteps could be heard approaching. He stood up to leave when he paused. Nami turned the corner on the lower deck. Unable to take his eyes off her, Zoro sat down once again.
Nami stretched her arms above her head as she approached the rail at the back of the ship. I wonder if Zoro is still angry? She looked down at her wrist. There really was no remainder of the mark he had left earlier. Did it even hurt? Or was it the fear of the anger in his eyes? She remembered how afraid she was, yet she wanted to be held by him… "God, I must have looked like an idiot," she said to herself, rubbing her wrist.
"Did it hurt?" Zoro thought out loud from under the tangerine trees. He felt the need to get closer. He wanted to smell her scent again. Zoro was so lost in watching Nami that he didn't even notice Robin appear beside him.
"Busy?" Her calm voice broke Nami's spell over Zoro. His cheeks turned slightly pink at being caught. His body shifted, trying to pretend that he wasn't doing anything.
Zoro cleared his throat. "No," he replied in a low voice. He didn't want Nami to hear them. Robin smiled at his reaction.
"Could you give this to her?" She handed Zoro one of Nami's sweaters. "I thought she might need it, since it's a little cool out here tonight."
"Ah… hai." Zoro took the soft article of clothing in disbelief. Would he even be able to approach Nami?
Robin turned to walk away. "If it means anything," she said over her shoulder, "I'm sorry if I caused any trouble."
Zoro paused for a moment, "what?"
Robin didn't turn to face him. "I pointed it out to her," she looked down, thinking the situation over. "I was curious if… you know."
Zoro stared at the back of his crewmate. How had she seen something he was so unaware of? Did the others notice too?
"Don't worry," Robin broke his thoughts, seeming to have read his mind, "none of the others even notice. Men never seem to pick up on these things the way women do."
"Um…" Zoro was dumbfounded. Unsure of what to say, he blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "Thank you."
Robin giggled softly. "You're welcome." With that she left. Zoro watched her walk away, glanced at the sweater, and then looked to Nami. Well, it's now or never.
The chill of the air began to pick up. Nami saw her breath turn white in front of her face as she sighed. Goosebumps appeared on her arms, but she didn't seem to notice. Memories were playing and replaying in her mind. Every interaction with Zoro was being analyzed, repeated and reanalyzed. Was there really something there or was this a figment of her imagination?
"You really shouldn't be out here in the cold."
Startled by the deep voice, Nami turned around. "Sanji…" her voice was tinted with disappointment. Was she expecting someone else?
"Gee, I'm happy to see you too," the tall, blond cook took of his coat, placing it around her shoulders. She looked away as he rubbed her arms, attempting to warm her up.
Nami bit her lip, a little guilty that he was always so kind to her. It didn't matter if she never treated him with even half the respect he gave her. "Sanji," her voice came out quietly. "You don't have to…"
"I know I don't," Sanji cut her off. His hands came to rest near her shoulders. He sighed. No matter how long he had known this woman, she still remained a puzzle to him. He couldn't take this anymore. He just wanted to make her happy.
Sanji gently pulled Nami towards him. Her eyes grew wide as his long arms embraced her. Her protective self wanted to pull away and slap him, preventing him from getting in. Yet on the other hand, she had already let him in after her encounter earlier with Zoro. Sanji was the one who held her when she needed it most. He didn't even demand an explanation. He just gave her comfort when needed.
The air grew colder, but Nami couldn't tell anymore. Sanji kept her warm. The beating of his heart was fast as she rested her cheek against his chest. Sanji couldn't think. His eyes were closed, slowly taking in the scent and feel of her. If my life were to end at this second, I would die the happiest man in the world. But then he felt Nami pull away a little. He didn't want to let her go… not yet.
Could I be able to love Sanji? Nami questioned herself as she looked up into his dark blue eyes. Why did he look so sad? She reached up, cupping his face in her left hand. Gently she began pulling his face towards her own. Nami closed her eyes, feeling their lips inch towards each other.
"Gah!" Both were startled by the loud sound that came from the tangerine trees. Turning her attention back to her and Sanji, Nami pulled away with embarrassment. She tried to hide her face as her cheeks blushed.
"Nami," Sanji spoke softly, trying to reach for her again.
"Um…" Nami turned sideways, taking a step backwards from him. She grabbed at the coat, closing it around her like a protective cocoon. "Sanji, I'm thirsty." She was trying to think of something that would change what had just almost happened between them.
Sanji put his hands in his pockets, hanging his head. So close, and yet so far... Nami watched him, feeling guilty. Regardless, he let out a sigh and raised his head. "I'll go get you something," he said with a smile, disguising the pain of rejection. "Just wait here a minute." He turned on his heel, heading towards the kitchen.
"Thank you," Nami softly called after him. She sighed. Why did she pull away? Didn't she like the way he felt? Didn't it feel right to her? Her thoughts went backwards to what just happened. Sanji's body was so warm and comforting… like a blanket that would always keep her warm. A smile came to her face as she closed her eyes and embraced herself with his coat.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Nami's eyes shot open. The voice was like a splash of cold water on her thoughts. Zoro quickly approached her with one of her sweaters in hand. Anger covered his face. For being someone who didn't express his emotions very often, Zoro definitely had no problem showing when he was angry.
"What are you doing out here?" Nami reacted with surprise.
"It's cold. Robin thought you might want this." Zoro stopped in front of Nami, resting his left arm on the hilts of his three swords. He looked out towards the dark sea, "but considering you were fooling around with Sanji, I don't think you need it."
Nami's face contorted in anger. "You were in the trees," she stated, realizing Zoro had been watching them.
"Yeah," Zoro turned back to face her, "like it makes a difference. What were you doing messing around with the cook?"
"It's none of your business what happens between me and Sanji!" Nami rested her hands on her hips. "Like you care anyway."
"I don't!" He was quick to respond, unable to look at her.
A smile appeared on Nami's face as she laughed. "Ha! You're jealous!" It was so painfully obvious to her now.
"Am not!" Zoro couldn't think of what else to do. He tried to deny it.
She laughed again, "don't be so childish, Zoro. It's as clear as day." She folded her arms. This time she really had won.
He sighed, "I give up." He handed her the sweater. "For what it's worth," he held her hand up while placing it in her palm, "please don't mess around with the cook anymore."
Nami smiled, finally being able to see that there actually was a heart underneath Zoro's tough skin. She nodded in understanding. Not saying anything in response, she took the sweater and began to walk away, giggling softly.
Zoro was left alone in the cold. Maybe this is the way it's supposed to be. Like he would ever be able to be affectionate towards her anyway… He wouldn't know how to keep her happy. He stared out into the night, wishing he knew what the future would bring. Suddenly, Nami was there beside him. Leaning up on his side, she whispered in his ear, "thank you for protecting me." With a kiss on his cheek, she was gone again, heading towards the kitchen to join the cook.
Owari!
