Chapter 16 – Desperate Measures
Well, I am afraid this is the final chapter. : ( Note its hugeness. It is over 10,000 words! Normally, I would divide this into two chapters, but I strongly believe that a good ending chapter needs to be extra long. And so here we go!
Reviews first!
Realsmartz - Yeah, time really does fly, huh? I mean, take the summer for example. This was the fastest summer of my life! I have school in less than a week! Gah!
Deblas - What is with me and my damn cliffhangers, you ask? Come on, you gotta admit; they make this story more enjoyable. : )
Daikaio - Hee hee, yep, poor Sanji... He got his ass handed to him by Luffy... Ah, Luffy is the greatest. He is my hero!
Enula - HOLY CRAP! The Navy? Well, I wish you much luck in the future, and I truly hope you enjoy reading this last chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. ; )
Aztec Goddess - Aw, it is okay! Work hard, eat right, and you, too, can become a successful mind reader! Lol.
karen12 - Everyone and their great grandmothers... Ha ha, lol, that is rich. ; ) And I am glad you enjoyed the action scene. Action/adventure has always been my true strength in writing because of my battle scene writing abilities, but I just had to try this romance thing out... Call me crazy, but it is pretty fun!
sara haruko takenouchi kamiya - Oh, my... I feel like much is being expected of me. I really hope this final chapter is not a let-down to you. : (
Dust-in - YES! DEATH TO 4KIDS! KILL, BURN, MAME, DESTROY! Mwahahahaha! (cough) Anyway... thanks for that battle scene compliment! I am proud of it, too. : )
WildGamer - LOL! That is SO funny! Your arms kept swinging? Lol! I do not know why but I burst out laughing when I read that review. I got a funny image of someone with their face really close to the screen, all wide-eyed, and swinging his arms from side to side like a monkey. Ah, so funny! Glad you like this so much! Like I said to sara, I really hope this chapter is not a let-down for you...
Okay... (deep breath) Here we go!
Usopp couldn't decide what to do. After Luffy and Nami had gone back in the palace, the rest of the gang also went back in. Vivi went up to her room, Zoro went to the crew's provided guest room to continue training, and Chopper carried Sanji to the infirmary so he could continue treating him in peace. Usopp didn't know where Luffy and Nami had gone. He stood there in the main entrance corridor and sighed. Finally, he decided to go up to Vivi's room and see what he could do to help clean up the mess her shattered window had left behind.
When he got to the top floor, he saw that Vivi's bedroom door was wide open. He walked in.
Vivi was dressed in a plain white gown. She was sitting on the bed and watching a group of workers with an expressionless face. Igaram was sitting next to her. Some workers were cleaning up the glass and some were taking measurements of the window frame so they could replace the window as soon as possible. It seemed to Usopp that Vivi had already told Igaram what happened. He wondered if she had told her caretaker everything.
Vivi looked at Usopp. "Oh, hi, Usopp-san. Sorry, I didn't see you come in."
Usopp smiled as he walked over to the bed. "It's okay," he replied cheerfully. "Hey, is there anything I can do to help?"
"Thanks for the offer," Igaram answered, "but there is not much you can do. These workers have it covered."
Usopp nodded and sat down beside her. Igaram seemed to notice what was going on. He stood up. "Well, Vivi-sama, if everything is okay here, I have business elsewhere."
Vivi smiled up at Igaram warmly. "Okay. Thanks for everything."
Igaram left. Making sure that the workers weren't trying to eavesdrop, Usopp turned to Vivi. "He's not angry with any of us, is he?" he asked. "I mean, we can leave right away if he wants us to..." "No, no," responded Vivi quickly. "It's fine. No one is angry. I told them that Luffy-san and Sanji-san were playing around, and Luffy-san got a little too enthusiastic and threw Sanji-san out the window. Father and Igaram believed it since they know how strong and... hyper he is. Those two guards that saw what was really going on outside promised me they wouldn't say anything about the fight."
Vivi looked away and sighed. She looked so sad. Usopp felt bad for her. "Hey, are you all right?" he asked gently.
Vivi sighed. "I guess... I just feel awful right now. I feel like I caused all this..."
"No, no, Vivi, don't feel that way!" Usopp said bracingly. "Luffy, Nami, and Sanji all played parts in it, too. No one is to be singled out and blamed for what happened."
Vivi smiled. "I guess you're right. But still... I don't even belong in your crew. It seems all I have been doing is causing you guys trouble... First Baroque Works and now this..."
"Stop it," said Usopp firmly. "That is not true. You will always be one of us. Whether you choose to come with us or stay here with your people, you will always be our nakama."
"Oh, Usopp-san!" she suddenly cried. She threw her arms around him and started sobbing into his shoulder. Sobbing was an understatement; she was positively bawling. Some of the workers turned to stare. Usopp awkwardly wrapped one arm around her and used his other hand to pat her gently on the head. "It's okay," he said, trying to sound reassuring. He knew this was good for her. She had needed to cry like this for some time now. Still, it was really uncomfortable for Usopp and he almost found himself wishing that Vivi would cry into someone else's shoulder. He scowled at the staring workers, silently telling them to step out of the room for a moment. They complied.
"I-I don't know what to d-d-do," she choked out, taking in shuddering breaths in between sobs. "I-I like you g-guys so much, b-b-but Arabasta needs m-me... Oh, Usopp-san, w-w-what should I do!" She started sobbing harder than ever.
Usopp patiently waited until her sobs subsided. The awkward moment ended as she let go of him, sniffling and repeatedly trying to dry her face with her hands. Usopp reached into his trusty bag and drew out a clean cloth. "Here," he offered. "Thanks," she accepted, taking the cloth and wiping her eyes and nose. She sighed and looked at Usopp's soaked shoulder. "Sorry about that..."
Usopp chuckled. "It's perfectly fine. You needed that, I'm sure. You feel better?" She nodded. "Yeah. Really, Usopp-san, thanks a lot. I'll think about my decision now. I'll get back to you guys as soon as possible."
Usopp took that as his cue to leave. He stood up and nodded. "All right. I won't try to pressure you into staying with us, but I know everyone would really like it if you did, despite everything that's happened..."
He turned to leave. As he walked out the door, the workers waiting outside her bedroom rushed back in to finish their job. Usopp sighed and decided to go to the infirmary and visit Sanji and Chopper.
Chopper finished changing the bandages around Sanji's head. The first set had gotten completely soaked through very quickly. The bleeding finally slowed down as he applied a paste made up of a special mixture of crushed herbs to the huge cut on the cook's forehead. Sanji sighed. "Thanks, Chopper," he said. Chopper nodded. "Your welcome. It's my job."
Chopper left to allow Sanji to rest. He decided to go to the guest room to see if anybody was in there. He soon ran into Usopp.
"Oh, hi, Usopp," Chopper greeted with a smile.
"Ah, I was just coming down to see you," said Usopp. "How's Sanji?"
"He's fine, of course," replied Chopper. "You know how impossibly strong he is. He and Zoro never ate any Devil's Fruit, and yet they both heal at a miraculous pace..."
Usopp laughed. "That's for sure. They're too strong for their own good."
The two friends walked to the guest room together. Zoro was training on one side of the room, and Luffy was sitting and moping on the other side. Luffy didn't seem to notice the newcomers.
"Hey, do you think we should say something to him?" Usopp whispered to Chopper. The reindeer shook his head. "No, Zoro told us to leave him alone, remember?" he whispered back.
The two walked over to Zoro. Zoro paused his training as he looked at them. "So, what's going on?" the swordsman asked, wiping sweat out of his eyes. "When are we leaving? Is Vivi coming?"
Usopp shook his head. "I don't know the answer to any of those. I just talked to Vivi. She said she'd think about it."
Zoro raised an eyebrow as he looked at Usopp's soaked shoulder. "Um... was Vivi crying on your shoulder or did you accidentally walk sideways into a waterfall?"
"Har har," Usopp responded sarcastically. "Yes, she cried into my shoulder, and I'll have you know it was very uncomfortable for me."
Zoro laughed at him. Chopper couldn't help himself; he joined in. (That is pretty pathetic,) the little doctor thought to himself as he laughed.
Igaram was sitting in the king's private library and sipping coffee. He looked out the window and smiled. "Monkey D. Luffy..." he said to himself. "It's hard to think of him as a pirate. He will forever be remembered as the hero of Arabasta."
His thoughts were interrupted. The guardian named Chaka suddenly burst into the library. Igaram turned to face him in alarm. The large Arabastan guardian doubled over and tried to regain his breath; he had ran to find Igaram.
"What's the matter?" Igaram asked urgently.
"This," responded Chaka. He threw two pieces of paper onto the table Igaram was sitting at. He took a good look at the papers... and nearly fell out of his chair.
"My god!" he gasped. "Luffy-san and the others are in grave danger!"
Chaka had regained his breath at this point. "I know," he agreed grimly. "The highest-level Marines will be after them with bounties that high..."
"Come on!" Igaram said, springing from his chair. "We have to warn them!"
The two of them sprinted out of the room to find the Straw Hats. Igaram looked at the papers clutched in his hand again as he ran:
Wanted Dead or Alive Roronoa Zoro: 60,000,000 beli
Wanted Dead or Alive Monkey D. Luffy: 100,000,000 beli
Igaram clenched his teeth as he ran. (Luffy-san...! You must leave this place as soon as possible!)
Sanji sat up in bed. The infirmary was empty. He took out a cigarette and lit it. As he smoked, he looked up at the ceiling in deep thought.
(Does Luffy really want me to leave the crew? I doubt it... but how are things going to be between us now? And what about Nami-san? Will she be okay? Will Vivi-chan join us? I hope she doesn't think she caused all this... That poor woman... I can't believe Luffy. How could he do that? I didn't even think he was capable of pleasuring a woman...) He quickly pushed that thought out of his mind.
Suddenly, he heard running footsteps. He looked out the slightly open door to see what was going on. Igaram and some other guy were running toward the guest room. Sanji didn't know what was going on, but whatever it was, it was definitely urgent.
Sanji frowned. "I better follow them..." he mumbled to himself. With a grunt, he got up out of the bed and walked as fast as he could to the guest room.
Luffy felt so damn depressed. Why did he screw everything up? First, he went against what his heart had been trying to tell him and had sex with Vivi, knowing damn well it was the wrong thing to do. Then, he allowed his anger to get the best of him and beat the crap out of Sanji. He even got Vivi in trouble in the process by shattering her window.
Luffy lifted his head a bit and looked at Chopper, Usopp, and Zoro who were chatting on the other side of the room. Why were they all ignoring him? Did he piss everyone off? How was he going to keep his crew together when no one liked him anymore? What if Vivi decided to stay here in Arabasta? Truthfully, it would probably be best if she stayed, but it didn't change the fact the she was Luffy's nakama and he really wanted her to come.
Another wave of sadness hit him. He bowed his head to stare sullenly at the floor again. Maybe he could go get something to eat... That always made him feel better...
Suddenly, Igaram and Chaka burst into the room. They were out of breath and had what looked like urgent expressions on their faces. Something was definitely up. Luffy and the others looked up at them in surprise.
"What's wrong?" asked Usopp in alarm.
"This!" Igaram answered, lifting two yellowish papers up in the air.
Luffy stretched out his arm and grabbed the papers. His crewmates' surprised expressions turned to him. He looked at the papers. His eyes went wide and he whistled. "Whoa!" he exclaimed excitedly. "Zoro, look!" He brandished his new wanted poster. "I'm worth 100,000,000!"
Zoro smirked. "Heh. What's that other one?"
Luffy stretched out his arm again and handed Zoro his wanted poster. Usopp and Chopper looked over the swordsman's shoulder and all three took a look at it. They all exclaimed in surprise; Zoro sounded happy and the other two sounded alarmed. "60,000,000!" they all cried out.
Igaram and Chaka looked from Luffy's broad grin to Zoro's arrogant grin in shock. "How could you two be so happy about this?" Chaka asked, mouth gaping in disbelief.
"It's about time I get a bounty," Zoro said smugly.
"100,000,000!" Luffy exclaimed again. "Wow, I'm really wanted now! Ha ha ha!"
Sanji sauntered in. He walked past the two Arabastans and stopped behind Zoro. "What?" he said angrily. "Why does this Marimo get a bounty and I don't? That ain't right."
Zoro smirked up at him. "Just more proof of your worthlessness, shit cook."
"Why you-!"
"Stop!" cried Chopper. "Sanji needs to heal for once!"
"W-What do you all plan on doing now?" asked Igaram.
Everyone except Sanji turned towards Luffy. It seemed to Luffy that the cook was determined to ignore him now. Luffy ignored the returning wave of sadness as he thought about what to do.
"Hmmm... We should leave as soon as possible. Tonight would be best." They all looked surprised. "We don't want the Marines chasing us here," continued Luffy. "We don't want to cause you guys any more trouble..."
"Well, you shouldn't worry about giving us trouble," replied Chaka, "but it is too dangerous for you guys to stay at any one place for too long. Not with prices that high on your heads."
Luffy shrugged. "Whatever. We're still leaving tonight."
"I'm going to go find Nami-san," said Sanji very quietly. He left without once looking at his captain.
Nami heard everything. She was hiding right outside the guest room doorway. She didn't want to face Luffy just yet. When she heard Sanji coming, she quickly ran into another room. Actually, she didn't want to face anyone involved in the fight right now.
Nami was about to step back out of the room when she heard Igaram say, "I'll go inform Vivi-sama of your decision."
Nami waited until the large man's footsteps completely faded. She walked out. She was starting to think about what she should do when she heard yet another voice.
"I'm gonna go and get as much leftovers from the feast as I can get."
Nami didn't bother hiding again. She just calmly walked right past Luffy as she walked to the guest room. They didn't even glance at each other. When she got in the guest room, she released breath she didn't even realize she was holding.
"Nami!" said Zoro. "There you are! Love cook just left to go look for you."
"Oh, he did?" she asked, forcing herself to sound mildly surprised. "I didn't catch him on his way out. Oh, well. So what's going on?"
"We have to leave right away," said Usopp grimly. He got up, walked up to Nami, and handed her the two wanted posters. She clapped a hand to her mouth in mock surprise. "My god! These bounties are high as hell! You're right, we gotta get out of here before the Marines raid Alubarna looking for us!"
The four of them started to pack. Sanji returned after they finished. "Oh, Nami-san, there you are," he said. She nodded without looking at him.
Zoro picked up his and Luffy's things and walked out. "I'm going to go get Luffy before he clears out the entire food supply here." Usopp and Chopper followed soon after. They went to go ask if the Super Spot-Billed Duck Squad could help them get to their ship. Nami and Sanji were left alone.
Sanji turned to face Nami. "Nami-san, I'm sorry I started that fight." Nami sighed. "Sanji-kun, please, I don't want to-" "No, please listen to me," Sanji interrupted her gently. "I had no right to start a fight like that. But when Luffy admitted that he did it on purpose... that he knew he would break your heart..."
The cook took a deep breath to calm himself. "...I lost it. I just lost it. I should have controlled myself and allowed you to handle it. Maybe I should never have gotten involved in this in the first place."
Nami's eyes filled with tears. "Sanji-kun... don't say that. It was good of you to help, and..." She started sobbing. She allowed Sanji to wrap his arms around her in a gentle, comforting hug. She hugged him back and forced herself to stop crying. "Seriously, Sanji-kun, I'm grateful. You made Luffy realize his feelings for me... You have no idea how happy that made me feel..."
Sanji broke the hug and placed his hands on her shoulders. "But how is it making you feel now, Nami-san?"
She frowned. She shrugged his hands off her shoulders and walked over to her stuff. "I don't know," she said in a steady voice. "I honestly don't know what to think... I almost wish everything could go back to the way it was, when Luffy and I were just good friends."
"Almost wish?" asked Sanji, raising a curly eyebrow.
Nami looked at him. "Please, Sanji-kun, not now. I don't want to worry about Luffy right now. We need to concentrate on leaving."
He nodded and started to lift his stuff, but stopped as he winced in pain and clutched his ribs. Nami rushed over to him and relieved him of his burden. "No, Nami-san," Sanji protested. "A lady should never have to-"
"Save it," she said shortly as she started to walk out the door with both her things and Sanji's things. Sanji watched her retreating back as his eyes turned into hearts. He floated after her. "Aaah, Nami-san, so thoughtful and beautiful and strong and beautiful..."
Nami suppressed a giggle. She was actually glad that Sanji had turned back to his normal, skirt-chasing self.
The Super Spot-Billed Duck Squad was waiting for the Straw Hat Crew at the front of the palace. King Cobra, Igaram, Chaka, and Vivi were all there waiting with them. As the rest of the crew started loading their stuff onto the helpful ducks, Usopp took Vivi to the side.
"So, what have you decided?" he asked her quietly.
Vivi shook her head. "I don't know yet. I-I have to make a speech tomorrow. I just can't decide, Usopp-san..."
Usopp smiled. "It's okay. We already planned for that. We thought you wouldn't have been able to decide yet. You haven't had much time to think about it, so we'll give you the night to come up with a decision. Tomorrow at noon, the Going Merry will be at the north edge closest to Alubarna. If you want to come with us, we'll pick you up there. Fair enough?"
Vivi nodded. "Great idea, Usopp-san. Thanks a lot."
Usopp walked over to the crew and helped them finish loading their stuff. They then got on top of the remaining ducks. They turned around to face their hosts one last time.
"Luffy-san," Cobra said warmly. "We will never forget you. Your kindness will go down in Arabastan history."
"Yes," agreed Igaram, wiping a tear from his eye. "You've done so much for our country... and you kept Vivi-sama safe, too. We will always be indebted to you."
Zoro smirked. "Don't mention it. It was actually a lot of fun."
"Yeah!" agreed Luffy. "I was more than happy to kick Crocodile's ass for you!"
The four Arabastans laughed at this.
"Goodbye!" called Chopper as they started to turn around. "Maybe we'll come visit someday!" Usopp added. "Thanks for the Arabastan recipes!" Sanji called. "We'll never forget you all!" Nami chimed in.
And finally, after all farewells were said, the Straw Hat Crew left for their ship. Cobra, Chaka, Igaram, and Vivi all waved as they watched them ride into the distant sunset.
The four Arabastans stopped waving when their heroes were completely out of sight. They turned back towards the palace and headed back in. Cobra put an arm around his daughter's shoulders. "I'm sure you'll see them again," he said warmly with a twinkle in his eye. Vivi looked up at her father and smiled. "I hope."
When they got back in, Vivi yawned and said she was going to bed. "Remember, Vivi-sama," Igaram reminded her, "you have a speech to make tomorrow. Are you prepared?" Vivi nodded. "Hai," she replied. "Don't worry."
Igaram smiled. "Good."
Vivi finally went up to her room. A temporary replacement window was already in place. She fell heavily onto her bed. It had been made for her while she was gone. The sheets were nice and clean. She sighed as she turned onto her side and closed her eyes.
"What am I going to do...?" she mumbled to herself. She then fell asleep almost immediately.
The ride to the Going Merry was uncomfortable to say the least. Luffy and Nami rode as far away from each other as possible. The tension between them was still very heavy. It was almost unbearable for the rest of the crew. Usopp nudged his duck closer to Luffy's.
"Luffy, are you going to try to make up with her?" he said over the noise of the running ducks.
"Don't talk to me about that," Luffy replied rather coldly.
Usopp shook his head. He couldn't understand it. How could two people who loved each other so much be so stubborn? Because it was quite obvious to the crew (except Chopper who was too naïve to know such things) that the two were still madly in love. How could they tell, you ask? It would be impossible to answer that. It's just one of those feelings you get.
Sanji was also thinking about Luffy and his navigator. He had already subjected himself to getting the two of them together once before; why give up now? Beneath the coldness they expressed toward each other, their love for each other still burned. Nami-san would be quite happy if she and Luffy made up. Sanji rubbed his chin thoughtfully...
Zoro was thinking about his next training routine. He was too weak if he had had so much difficulty fighting Mr. 1. He could actually care less about his captain's love problems. Still, it was obvious to the swordsman that the two of them still wanted to get down each other's pants. Zoro glanced at Nami and shrugged. Could he blame Luffy for wanting to? She really was pretty damn hot, and if Zoro cared for such things, Nami would be his first target.
Chopper was busy thinking about... whatever it is that reindeer think about, because he sure as hell had no idea what was going on.
They reached the Going Merry by morning. Or at least, they reached the spot where it was supposed to be.
"Where the hell is Merry?" Usopp exclaimed. "I'll kill whoever took it... How dare they touch Kaya's gift?"
"Ah, so it's important to you because that little blond hottie gave it to us?" said Zoro, raising an eyebrow and smirking.
Usopp blushed. "Sh-shut up, Zoro!" he retorted angrily.
They heard a voice in the distance. They looked in the direction it was coming from. "It's coming from up that river!" said Nami, pointing.
The Going Merry hadn't gone far. It was hidden behind an outcropping of rock. And on the deck waving enthusiastically to the Straw Hats was...
"Mr. 2?" Sanji exclaimed incredulously.
"Get the hell off our ship!" yelled Luffy.
Mr. 2 frowned. "What, what, what? Can't a friend say hi to his friends?" He smiled a huge, rather hideous looking smile. "I like helping out my friends!" he cried as he nimbly twirled around on the ship's railing.
Everyone sweat-dropped.
Sanji stepped forward. "What do you mean, 'helping'? What did you do?"
"Why, I moved your ship!" said Mr. 2 happily. "We can see that," Sanji sighed exasperatedly. "But why did you move it?"
"Ah, yes," Mr. 2 answered solemnly. "The Marines would have destroyed your ship if I did not hide it. And now, come quickly! Get on your ship! My faithful crew and I will guide you out and do our best to protect you from those Marines!"
The Straw Hats had no choice; they boarded the Going Merry.
The ex-Baroque agent was true to his word. As soon as they shoved off, Mr. 2's swan boat also came out of a well-concealed spot a little further up the river. Mr. 2's faithful crew was on it, and they were just as determined as their eccentric leader was to get the Straw Hats out safely.
"Mr. 2, why are you our friend?" Usopp asked.
"Ah, please, do not call me by that name anymore!" Mr. 2 wailed. "I am not a part of that evil, evil agency any longer. I am once again Bon Clay, the master of ballet!" "Yes, Bon Clay-sama!" his crew cheered somewhat dramatically as he struck a pose.
Everyone sweat-dropped again.
Despite Mr. 2's help, the Marines gave the Straw Hat Crew a very rough time. The fleet was surprisingly large, and they were pretty accurate with the cannons. "We're gonna siiiiink!" wailed Usopp. Luffy, Chopper, Usopp, and Mr. 2 were all huddled in a big hug and were all sobbing. "Bon-san, what should we do?" cried Chopper.
"Would you guys get serious?" Zoro and Sanji yelled.
"Guys!" Nami called. "Hard turn to port!" "Hai, Nami-san!" Sanji replied enthusiastically.
Mr. 2 raised an eyebrow. "Oi, oi!" he exclaimed in confusion. "What are you dooooing? We have to keep going straight to escape the Marines!"
"Sorry, Bon-san," said Usopp, "but we made a promise to our nakama."
Mr. 2 instantly burst into tears. His crew on the swan boat followed suit. "Oooooh, it warms my heart to see such loyal friends!" He jumped up onto the railing and struck a dramatic pose as he closed his eyes in extreme sadness. "Alas, this where we must part ways. Keep your promise! There is nothing in the world more important than promises made between friends! We shall do our best to hold off the Marines for you!" With tears flowing from his eyes, he smiled serenely at the Straw Hat Crew. "We shall... meet again! As good friends always do!"
He leaped onto his ship. He and his crew were all crying. "Goodbye, Straw Hats!" they called.
"We'll miss you!" Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper all responded, tears flowing from their eyes as well.
Mr. 2 bravely charged the fleet of Marine ships. He and his crew were able to cause quite a distraction. Many of the ships started to lag behind as the Going Merry sailed as fast as it could to the promised meeting spot to greet Vivi.
"Where is she?" Luffy called in despair. "I don't see her!"
Nami glanced at Luffy. (He really wants her to join us...) she thought, slightly angrily.
At first, it seemed she wasn't going to make it. Zoro turned to Luffy. "Hey, the Marines are starting to catch up. We gotta get going."
Luffy bowed his head. He was about to deliver the command to move on, but then they heard a familiar voice.
"Wait! Guys!"
They turned excitedly. It was Vivi. She was dressed in a very stunning white and blue formal dress. She still had a Den Den Mushi in her hands. She had just come from her speech.
She spoke to them through it. It apparently was also a megaphone because her magnified voice easily reached their ears.
"When I traveled with you guys, I had some of the greatest times of my life. I learned a lot about the sea while with you. We laughed, we cried, we fought, we partied... I will never forget you guys, and neither will my people! You are heroes!"
It was apparent where this was going. The Straw Hats' enthusiastic faces started to fall.
"But what I really want to know is..." Tears started flowing from the princess's eyes. "What I really want to know is... will you ever forget me? After all we've been through... do you still call me your nakama?"
She finished and started to sob softly as she awaited their answer with baited breath.
Luffy rushed up to the railing and was about to shout his answer to her, but Zoro quickly grabbed him and put his hand over his mouth. "Stop!" he hissed. "The Marines are too close! If they see that Vivi is associated with pirates, she will get in huge trouble!" "Then what are we going to do?" whispered Sanji.
She kept waiting. She started to sob a little harder as they remained silent. (Can I blame them?) she thought miserably. (After all that's happened... after me and Luffy-san...)
Then the crew lined up in front of the railing facing Vivi. With their backs turned to her, they silently raised their hands into the air. She gasped. They were showing the X marks on their wrists in response. They all had made X marks on their wrists to make sure that Mr. 2's copying ability wouldn't fool them. Those X marks were a clear symbol of their relationship. She was still their nakama.
Vivi raised hers in response. "Thank you!" she called happily through her tears. "Come back and visit some day! I'm going to miss you so much! Goodbye, everyone!"
And with that, the crew left Vivi without knowing whether or not they would ever see her again.
The Straw Hat Crew were finally able to lose the Marines.
Sanji sat down on the deck. "Well, that's that," he sighed. "We might not ever see Vivi-chan again."
Usopp saw the look on Nami's face and quickly said, "We don't know that for sure. Besides, talking about it is just gonna make it worse. We all miss her; let's just not talk about it."
Sanji made lunch. It was very uncomfortable for everyone. In fact, it was always uncomfortable when Luffy and Nami were in the same room now. They finished as quickly as possible. Nami was the first to get up. She went into the little study next to the kitchen. Luffy got up right after her and went out onto the deck.
Usopp sighed heavily as the rest of the crew stayed at the table and ate in silence. "This is so stupid," he said quietly. "Those two need to get together again." "Ah, let them take care of it," Zoro said dismissively. "It's their relationship, their problem." With that, he got up and went out onto the deck to take a nice, long nap.
Sanji shook his head. "You're right, Usopp. Things just won't be the same again until those two just suck it up and apologize to each other."
"What are you talking about?" asked Chopper earnestly.
Usopp looked at the reindeer. "Luffy and Nami love each other."
"I thought we all loved each other," said Chopper, tilting his little head to the side in confusion.
"Oh, god," Sanji groaned. "Not again... Your turn, Usopp." He got up and started cleaning dishes. Usopp looked at him in confusion.
"My turn?" he repeated with the same amount of confusion that was expressed on his face.
Luffy, Usopp, Chopper, and Zoro were all hanging out on the deck. Chopper now had a general idea of what was going on between Nami and Luffy, so he was trying to cheer up Luffy along with Usopp. Zoro was asleep.
"Luffy, come on!" Usopp finally snapped. "This is ridiculous! Either cheer up on your own and go back to being our overly cheerful captain, or go make up with Nami!"
"Usopp... I can't," Luffy replied quietly.
Usopp was taken aback. He was expecting Luffy to blow off the subject again. "Why?"
"Because... I screw things up all the time. And I know Nami doesn't want me back. It's so obvious."
"No, Luffy, it's obvious that you two want to be together again!" Usopp disagreed urgently. "You need to talk to her!"
"No," said Luffy simply. He stretched his arms up to the crow's nest and launched himself up into it.
"Maybe they don't want to be together," said Chopper sadly, looking up at Usopp. "No!" said Usopp fiercely. "They do, damn it! They better do something about it soon, or I swear I'm going to go crazy...!"
"Just give it time."
Chopper and Usopp jumped out of their skin at the unfamiliar voice. They whipped around and came face to face with the cold-blooded female murderer, Nico Robin.
"Nami-san..." said Sanji with a sigh. He finished cleaning the dishes and sat down at the dining table beside Nami. She looked so depressed.
"What?" she sighed.
"You know what," replied the cook. "You know exactly what. The crew isn't going to be the same until you two make up."
"But..." she said, "but... what's the point? I mean, how long will it take for something else to go wrong? Probably not too long. Besides... he doesn't want me back. He wants Vivi back..."
"No!" Sanji said loudly, startling Nami. "Nami-san, you are in love with him, right?"
"I... I don't-"
"Yes, you do know," interrupted Sanji softly. "It's yes or no, dear Nami-san. Do you love him?"
"I'm... really, Sanji-kun, I'm just not sure..."
"Nami-san, stop wondering whether or not he loves you back! That should not affect your answer! Just ignore that for now. Do you love him?"
"I... well..." She gave up. "...Yes... I love him..."
A single tear fell from her eye. Sanji reached over and caught it with his finger. "Well, guess what?" he whispered. "Anyone in this crew will tell you he likes you back. Even Marimo sees it. You two still love each other."
Nami shook her head. "You don't know that," she said more firmly. "I can see that he still loves Vivi."
Sanji was about to tell her that he never loved Vivi in the first place when they heard Usopp and Chopper scream in fright. Both he and Nami immediately jumped up and ran out of the kitchen.
"What the hell are you doing on my ship?" demanded Luffy. He and the whole crew were on the deck facing Nico Robin, except Nami who was watching from the top of the stairs leading up to the kitchen.
"I'm here to join you," she replied calmly. She smiled. "You have no choice. It's your punishment. When you saved me from that collapsing tomb, I told you to leave me to die. I have nothing to live for, and I wish you would have let me died. So, instead, I am going to be your nakama. Besides," she sat down and smiled even wider, "I have no where else to go. I have no home or friends or family."
Everyone turned to look at Luffy. He just stood their blinking in confusion. Then he shrugged. "Okay. That makes senses." He walked away.
Sanji was positively delighted. His eyes became hearts as he gazed upon the deadly beauty, Robin, the brand new member of their crew.
"WHAT?" yelled Usopp. "There's no way I trust her!"
Sanji kicked him. "Shut up, Usopp!" He turned to face Robin again. "My dear radiant beauty, what shall I call you? Robin-swan? Or maybe Robin-chwan? Ooooh, I just cannot decide." She grinned at him. "Do you want something to drink, my love?" asked Sanji adoringly. "Coffee, please," she answered. "Coming right up!" he cried as he rushed to the kitchen.
After having an "interview" with Usopp, Robin convinced everyone else that she was trustworthy. Except Nami.
However, Nami fell in love with her instantly when she handed the navigator a large ruby. "Ooooh, my!" she squealed, eyes replaced by beli signs. "This is such a large ruby! And so rich in color! Look at the depth! This has to be at least 300,000 beli!" She hugged Robin. "Thank you, Ni-chan!"
Everyone sweat-dropped.
Not much changed with Robin on board. All she did was lounge on the deck and read novels.
Luffy and Sanji finally made up. They apologized to each other one night when going to asleep, and that was that. Their fight was never mentioned again.
Also, two days later, Luffy and Nami were still ignoring each other. Now Usopp really had enough. He decided to call an emergency meeting in his workshop. Everyone went except Luffy, Nami, and Zoro because he was napping.
"We're making a plan!" Usopp declared. "We are getting Luffy and Nami back together!"
"And how do you plan on doing that?" asked Robin with interest. She was sitting with her chin in her hand propped up by her elbow.
"That's what this meeting is for!" said Usopp. "Now, does anyone have any ideas?"
"We have to somehow set it up so the two can talk to each other in private," said Sanji thoughtfully.
"I know!" cried Chopper. Everyone looked at him in surprise. He faltered. "Go on, Dcotor-san," said Robin gently.
"Um... we uh... get Luffy and Nami together in... um, a room and, uh... barricade the door?"
They all were silent. Then Usopp cheered. "Great idea!"
Sanji grinned. "Good job, Chopper. You may have something there."
Chopper blushed and started doing his funny little dance. "Hey, you know you can't make me happy with your little compliments! Asshole! Shut up, you stupid asshole! Hee hee."
Robin laughed. "He obviously enjoys it."
Usopp grinned. "All right, so here's what we do..."
Luffy was sitting on the ram's head as usual. He suddenly noticed how very quiet it was on the ship. He turned around. "Huh? Where is everyone?"
Suddenly, Usopp burst out of the kitchen. "Luffy, quickly! Lots of meat, you'll never believe this! We're overflowing here...!"
"MEEEEEEAT!" Luffy screamed. He made a mad dash for the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Sanji was bursting into Nami's mapmaking room. "Hurry, Nami-swan! Treasure, and lots of it! In the kitchen! We just found a huge underwater chest, and it's loaded...!"
"MONEEEEEEEY!" Nami screamed. She made a mad dash for the kitchen.
When she got in, she looked wildly around. "Moneymoneymoneymoney," she kept chanting. She stopped. "Money?" All she saw was Luffy. She immediately turned around and tried to leave, but the door was barricaded. It wouldn't budge.
"Huh? Where's the meat?"
Nami whipped around, her eyes wide with shock. It was just her and Luffy... together in the kitchen... alone.
Then it hit her. "Those guys...!" she growled. "I'll KILL them!"
She started banging wildly at the door. "LET ME OUT, DAMN IT!" She turned around and faced Luffy. He looked angry, too. "Those bastards tricked us!" Luffy exclaimed. "Stand back, Nami!" She did so.
"GOMU GOMU NO BAZOOKAAAAA!"
The door stood no chance. The door and all the crates and barrels behind it shattered. Chopper in his man-beast form went flying; he was blocking the door, too. He turned small again and was about to fly off the ship, but a pair of hands suddenly sprouted out of the side of the ship and caught him. They threw him back onto the ship. He looked at Robin. "Thank you," he muttered. Robin smiled in response.
Nami and Luffy, meanwhile, were on a rampage. They were beating the living crap out of Usopp and Sanji. When they were done, they went back to their separate places without even looking at each other.
The four Straw Hats were meeting in the workshop again. Usopp and Sanji were heavily bandaged and had many large bumps on their heads.
"Okay," said Usopp through a fat lip, "time for a Plan B."
"Um, are you sure you guys are okay?" asked Chopper. "Maybe we should give up for now..."
"NO!" Sanji and Usopp yelled at the same time causing little Chopper to jump in fright and cower behind Robin.
Robin simply laughed at the situation. (This is quite the interesting pirate crew I've joined here...) she thought bemusedly.
Nami was back in the mapmaking room. She couldn't believe the nerve of those guys... How dare they try to force her and Luffy to make up?
"They just don't get it," she muttered to herself sadly. "It won't work."
Suddenly, Usopp and Robin burst into the room.
"Hey, guys, what's- AH!"
Usopp took one arm and Robin took the other. They steered her out of the room and out onto the deck.
"LET GO, YOU TWO! JUST FORGET IT! YOU CAN'T PUSH THESE THINGS!" Nami screamed.
Meanwhile, Luffy was in the kitchen. He sighed while watching Sanji cook. Suddenly, Sanji turned around and yelled, "NOW, CHOPPER!"
Chopper burst into the room in his man-beast form.
"Rumble! Arm Point!"
His arms grew huge as he bear hugged Luffy from behind.
"Ack-! Can't – breathe...!" choked Luffy. Chopper carried Luffy out onto the deck with Sanji right behind them.
Nami and Luffy suddenly found themselves facing each other on the middle of the deck. Chopper shoved Luffy and Usopp pushed Nami. They crashed into each other. They automatically wrapped their arms around each other to keep from falling. They were about to break apart, but then their eyes met. They stared into each other's eyes for a few seconds while in each other's arms. Nami blushed a little.
Then they snapped out of it.
"GOD DAMN IT!" yelled Usopp thickly behind two fat lips. They were meeting in his workshop again. "It almost worked! But they kept ignoring each other after they beat the shit out of us! IT'S NOT FAIR!"
"I would agree with you," said Sanji faintly, "but the numerous concussions make it hard for me to think right now..."
Even Chopper was bandaged and bruised. Robin was the only one untouched because she had wisely kept her distance.
"Plan C! This one MUST NOT fail!" declared Usopp.
Robin laughed again when he saw the slightly insane expression on his face.
"I think I'm going to take this into my hands now," said Robin, smiling.
It was the evening. They had an amazing dinner. Sanji made sure it was especially exquisite to get Luffy and Nami in really good moods in preparation for the plan. Robin didn't tell them what the plan was, but they all knew that she wouldn't fail. Their only instructions were to keep the two lovers as happy as possible throughout the day. They did their part well.
What they didn't know was that she had gotten Zoro involved.
They all went out onto the deck after dinner. It was a beautiful evening. The sky was clear, there was a good steady breeze, and the temperature was perfect. Luffy and Usopp were cracking up as Chopper marched around the ship with chopsticks up his nose. On the other side of the ship, Robin was talking to Nami about some of the most amazing treasures in the world, and Nami was happily making plans to find them and become rich.
Luffy and Nami were in really good moods. Everything looked good to Sanji. He smiled.
Night fell. They were all still having a great time. Zoro walked up to Luffy.
"Hey, you wanna spar? Swords vs. fists?"
"Yeah!" answered Luffy excitedly. He flexed his arm. "This should be fun!"
They fought for a pretty good while while Chopper, Usopp and Sanji watched at a safe distance. It looked like an even fight, but Luffy was worn out from the day's events while Zoro was well rested from his constant napping.
"I've got you now!" Zoro yelled triumphantly.
He slashed Luffy diagonally across his chest. Blood spurted out of the long wound. His eyes went blank and he fell to the floor.
"Holy shit!" exclaimed Zoro. He rushed over to his captain's prone figure. "Damn, I'm sorry, Luffy!"
Chopper and Usopp started freaking out. When they weren't looking, two hands sprouted out of the floor beside Luffy's head. They were holding a very heavy text book. The hands smashed Luffy's head with it. The hands threw the text book far away from the scene and disappeared again. Luffy would be out for at least a minute.
Robin and Nami came running over. "What happe- AAAH!"
Nami screamed at the sight of Luffy on the floor motionless and bleeding all over the place.
"I'll treat him!" yelled Chopper. "I'll get him to regain consciousness first...!" "No!" Zoro hissed. "This is the plan!" Chopper and Usopp looked at him wide-eyed, then went back to freaking out. Now they were acting, and they were doing a great job. Zoro smirked.
Nami rushed over to Luffy's motionless body. She fell onto her knees beside him and put his head in her lap. "What happened?" she yelled.
Zoro stepped forward. "I-I'm sorry. We were sparring and-"
"YOU IDIOT!" Nami screeched. "I'LL KILL YOU!"
She checked Luffy's pulse. It was very slow since he was out cold. He was also still breathing.
"Luffy, wake up... Luffy, you're okay, I know it... I'm sorry, I'm sorry for everything! Whether or not you feel the same way... I love you...!"
Usopp and Chopper were moved to tears. Sanji groaned inwardly, wishing that he could be Luffy. He forced himself to giet over it and gave Robin the thumbs up. Robin smiled at Zoro. Zoro smirked again.
Luffy started to stir. He slowly opened his eyes.
"N-Nami?"
Nami gasped. "You're awake!"
To everyone's horror, she quickly dropped his head and stood up. She started backing away as she wiped tears from her eyes.
Zoro helped Luffy up. "Was she holding my head...?" he asked in confusion.
She kept backing up. She then turned to try and flee, but several pairs of arms sprouted out of the deck in front of her. They grabbed her. She yelled. "Let go!" she demanded, looking at Robin.
Luffy just stood there watching Nami, looking dazed.
More and more arms sprouted out of the deck. They were passing the struggling Nami from one pair of hands to the next. The result was kind of like a conveyor belt pushing Nami towards Luffy.
Finally, she reached Luffy. The last pair of hands threw her at him. He instinctively caught her. Once again, they found themselves in each other's arms. Once again, their eyes locked and they froze.
This time Nami spoke.
"Damn them..." she muttered without any anger in her voice. "Why won't they learn... you can't push these things..."
"You were holding my head..." Luffy muttered. "Why? You don't love me anymore. I always screw everything up..."
"Baka," she whispered. "You're the one who loves Vivi instead of me."
Luffy slowly shook his head. "No... I don't."
Nami turned away and started to let go. "Well, I know you don't love me anyw-"
"SHUT UP!" Usopp yelled. "GET ON WITH IT!"
Sanji kicked him. "Don't rush these things!"
Luffy didn't let go of her. She couldn't get out of his arms. "Luffy..." she whispered, embarrassed. "Come on, they're just tr-"
Luffy bent down and kissed her. She stiffened, then melted into his arms and started kissing him back. It lasted for a good few seconds, and they both felt as if a huge load was lifted off their shoulders.
Everyone cheered, except Zoro who still really didn't care. Luffy and Nami broke the kiss and looked around at everyone.
"Thanks guys, for everything," said Nami, smiling. Luffy nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I shoulda listened to you guys in the first place. Look! You were right; she does like me!" Nami blushed a bit and said, "I should have listened, too."
"Well, that's what nakama are for," Usopp sighed happily, relieved that it was finally over. "Nakama are always there to knock a bit of sense into each other whenever it's needed."
"Yeah!" cried Chopper. "Everything's better now! So everyone's gonna be happy again from now on, right?"
"It seems that way," Sanji replied coolly, taking a drag from his cigarette, blowing the smoke back out, and grinning.
Nami nodded. "It's true. Everything will be fine now." She looked up at Luffy's face. They smiled at each other. "So what now, Captain?" she asked, smiling playfully.
Luffy let go of her and jumped into the air. "WAHOOOOO! PARTY!"
Everyone laughed and agreed. This was the perfect time for a little nighttime celebration.
Soon they bust out all the alcohol they had and Sanji made tons of little snacks. Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper had their arms around each others shoulders and were doing the cancan. Nami and Robin were watching and laughing.
Zoro was lounging against the mast and was grinning broadly as he chugged down more and more grog.
Usopp started doing impressions. He did Buggy the Clown, Arlong, Mr. 4, Crocodile, Smoker, Dr. Kureha, Wapol, and even Sanji. Sanji kicked him pretty damn hard for mocking him, though. Needless to say, the impressions ended immediately after.
Sanji passed drinks around to everyone. Usopp then proposed a toast. "To Luffy and Nami! May you never have stupid arguments and piss us off again!" "KANPAI!" everyone laughed as they drained their glasses. More drinks were passed, and Luffy made a toast. "To my pirate crew! May we forever stay faithful to out nakama and to our dreams!" "KANPAI!" More drinks, and this time Zoro made a toast. "To... uh... all of us! Ah, screw it, let's get drunk!" "KANPAIIIIIII!" everyone cheered enthusiastically.
The party became more like an ordinary day. Robin was reading, Zoro and Sanji were fighting, and Usopp was telling Chopper wild stories while Chopper rocked backi n forth like a little child, looking at Usopp with amazed, sparkling eyes. Luffy and Nami were sitting against the mast together, their arms around each other's waists and her head resting on his shoulder.
"You know," said Luffy wistfully, yet cheerfully, "there are times when I really wish we had a musician... and this is one of them."
Nami laughed. "You never give up, do you?" she teased playfully. Luffy grinned. "I try not to!" he replied proudly.
It was getting late. People wanted to go to bed. When it was time to choose who was going to keep watch during the night, Luffy volunteered to everyone's surprise. Chopper went to bed first. Actually, he fell asleep on Robin's lap, so Robin put down her book and carried him to his bed, then went to the girls' room and went to bed herself. Usopp yawned and said that even famous, invincible captains of the sea need to get sleep every once in a while, so he headed to his hammock. After giving Nami-swan a "fond farewell" and wishing her a "wonderful night", Sanji went to bed, too. Nami planted a kiss on Luffy's lips and said good night to him. "I'll be back later," she whispered in his ear.
Luffy happily sauntered over to Zoro and sat down heavily next to him. The swordsman was still busy getting drunk. "Thanks, Zoro," said Luffy. "I know you slashed me on purpose."
Zoro laughed. "No problem, captain. Once Robin told me I could use my swords, I was more than happy to help."
Flashback
"Swordsman-san? Can I speak to you for a moment?"
Zoro stops his pushups and stands up to face Robin. He raises an eyebrow curiously. "Yes?"
"Well," Robin starts, "it's about our captain and navigator..."
Zoro immediately shakes his head and turns around as if to leave. "Forget it," he says shortly. "I don't wanna get involved; relationships and shit like that aren't my thing, in case you haven't noticed. Besides, I never butt in my captain's problems unless he asks me to."
Robin shakes her head. "Ah, Swordsman-san, what a shame. Your nakama need you, yet you turn them down?" She shrugs, turns around, and starts walking away. "Oh, well. Whatever, I suppose. Your part was to have a fight using your swords..."
Zoro suddenly stops her with his hand on her shoulder. She turns to face him. His eyes are twinkling with anticipation. "Fight?" he repeats hopefully. Robin nods. "But alas, you already said no..." she sighs. She starts to walk away again when...
"Wait!"
She turns to face him yet again.
"I'll do it," he says, brushing his hand against the hilts of the three swords strapped to his side. "I need a good practice fight... So I have to go against Luffy, right?"
End Flashback
Zoro laughed. "Man, was she convincing. That woman really is quite the convincer! I think she'll be okay with us." He chuckled and a little grog spilled down his chin.
Luffy also laughed. "Yeah, she's scary! But not as scary as Nami when she gets angry." "Too true!" Zoro laughed in agreement. "You got yourself a feisty one, Captain! Good luck with her, man." He pat Luffy heavily on the back. Luffy gave his ridiculously huge grin. "Thanks, Zoro."
They started to talk about the fight. Luffy unbuttoned his vest and showed Zoro how Chopper had sewn up the minor sword wound across his chest. "That won't scar," grunted Zoro, gulping down more grog. "Not like Mihawk's damned sword..."
Luffy nodded listlessly and started to button up his vest again in silence. Mihawk was always a very touchy subject with Zoro...
Luffy drank with his first mate for a little while longer. He had fun talking to Zoro like this; they almost never got to hang out like this. Eventually, Zoro got up shakily. "See you in the mornin', man," slurred the swordsman. "I'm done." He stumbled to the boys' quarters. "Okay, good night!" Luffy called to him happily.
Luffy watched him with a warm smile. "Ah, I am so lucky to have nakama like him!" he sighed happily. He got up, stretched, and walked up to the railing and looked up. "Oooooh, pretty stars!" he said to himself. "Ah, such a nice night to keep watch. Ha ha ha! If there wasn't perfect weather, I would never volunteer for this! Ha ha ha ha!"
"Why, Captain, that's mean."
Luffy whipped around to see Nami walking up to him. They smiled at each other. They hugged. Luffy smelled the familiar scent of her hair; shampoo mixed with the faint scent of tangerines from working in her little tangerine patch. Nami looked up at the sky. "My god," she gasped. "It is beautiful..." "Hee hee!" chuckled Luffy. "Yeah, like you!"
"Awww!" Nami squealed. "Did you just compliment me? You're such a gentleman!"
"I always compliment you," said Luffy, frowning. She waved that away. "Yeah, about my navigating and stuff. I'm talking about the kind of compliment you gave me just now. I love it when you tell me I'm beautiful, or perfect, or any of that stuff... It's just so sweet coming from you... and annoying coming from Sanji-kun..."
They laughed. Luffy tucked her loose hair behind her ear. "I love you, Luffy..." she said. "Yeah, me, too," he replied with that winning smile of his.
Their lips met in a passionate kiss. Their tongues soon thrust out of their mouths and they roamed around, rubbing against each other as they explored each other's mouths. Nami started to moan into his mouth. She pulled away and grinned slyly at him. She pushed him down onto the floor of the deck.
"Whoa, hey!" exclaimed Luffy, smiling. He made it sound like he was surprised, but he was definitely enjoying every moment of it. Nami giggled.
His head was slightly propped up by the side of the ship. She got on her hands and knees on top of him without touching him. She happened to be wearing a shirt with a plunging neckline. Luffy got quite a view. She smirked at the look on his face and moved one hand up to his head and casually tossed his straw hat to the side. She bent down to kiss him again. As they kissed, he ran his hands down the length of her body and grabbed the bottom of her shirt. She straightened and allowed him to pull her shirt over her head. She unbuttoned his vest and it pulled it off. She kissed his bare chest as he reached behind her and took off her bra. She trailed kisses down his body, looking up at his face. She slowly unzipped his pants and pulled them off. Luffy grabbed her and rolled over so she was on the bottom. He trembled as he pulled her shorts and her panties off...
"What's the matter, nervous?" she whispered. "Yeah..." Luffy admitted. "This is my first time, after all..."
That simple statement nearly took Nami's breath away. (He purposely said that to make sure I know he doesn't care about what he did with Vivi... He wants to make it like none of that ever happened.) Nami smiled and moaned as he lowered his face to her bare chest. (We can all say he is clueless or brainless or whatever... but is he really? Well, he sure as hell has his moments.)
She trembled as she felt his hot tongue run across her sensitive flesh. When he was done, he raised his face and grinned at her. She smiled again. Once again they rolled so she was on top. She pulled his boxers off. She bent her head down and kissed him. He reached up and caressed her face. Their tongues hungrily thrashed about in each other's mouths. They broke the kiss, both out of breath.
"I'm so sorry, Nami..." he breathed.
"What?" she asked in surprise. "Why?"
"You know why... you know what I'm apologizing for. You are the only one I've ever liked... well, you know..." She giggled. "Yes, I do."
"Well," he continued. "You need to know... I never had feelings for her. She is my nakama, nothing more." He grinned. "So this really is my first time."
She stroked his face. "I apologize, too... I shouldn't have yelled at you without stopping to think first..."
They stopped talking as their lips met in yet another kiss. However, this one was somehow special; it held more meaning to them than any kiss they had before. They pulled away.
She took his hands and guided his hands down to her slim waist. He grabbed onto her waist and guided it. She settled in on top of him.
And so, beneath the clear night sky, Luffy and Nami became one, the stars twinkling and casting their faint light down upon them. As they spent their first night together, for at least that one night, the Grand Line was no longer a scary place; it was a paradise, and nothing could ever go wrong in their lives.
THE END.
Ugh! If only I did not suck at endings. :P Oh, well, who cares? This is my first completed fic ever! YES!
Mugiwara Pirates: KANPAI!
Ah, this was a lot of fun. Thanks for all your support and reviews. Does anyone want a sequel? Yes? No? Maybe so? Considering this fic was more of a test of my romance-writing skills, the sequel should be better. And it would be much longer, too. Every single person who wants a sequel better say so in a review! Lol. Thanks a lot for reading, everyone! Well, until next time...!
Mugiwara Pirates: KANPAI...! AGAIN!
