"My sister and I were adopted in Sweden at two separate orphanages. Like you, I was brought to America at a young age. My mother Belle-mère was already a wealthy businesswoman who was late in age and unable to have kids. She and my adopted father Genzo loved us as if we were their own. My father passed away before I had the chance to enter middle school. It was then the three of us."
Luffy listens intently. "Is Nami your real name? Or is it your American name?"
"My real name is Namara Karlsson."
"That's a nice name, why change it?"
"It wasn't up to me. I was like an infant. My mother changed it when she adopted me. So I went with Nami as a sign of respect for my mother. She's the one who gave me the chance at a better life."
"..."
"Anyway, I grew up with a pretty privileged lifestyle. From private preschool to private college. My sister is my best friend and Chiffon? I met her when she was an intern at my mother's business. Over time she and her sister became friends of mine. I consider Chiffon a sister to me. We've been through a lot together. I used to model for my mother's brand and other designers since I was a sophomore in high school. The runway was like a second home to me. My sister and I always traveled with a private teacher when we were out of the country walking in shows so we wouldn't miss anything at school. I used to think my life was perfect and clear until my mother died."
"I never asked you, but...how did she die? Was she sick?"
"...she had lung cancer a while back when she used to smoke cigarettes. She picked up the bad habit after my father died. Ever since she recovered from lung cancer she had stopped. She lived a pretty healthy lifestyle, she was almost like a health junkie. Her favorite fruit was Tangerines. She always carried at least three in her purse every day. I love Tangerines too, but my mother had an obsession with them...she died of a heart attack. It was off that she had died of one, it suddenly happened and she was gone. I was out at Fisheraly Hills when my sister and I got the call. She died at home Wednesday morning before heading to the headquarters as usual. I felt like I couldn't breathe and the whole world was about to collapse."
"Have you ever got a chance to cope with her death? I was kind of numb for a few weeks after the passing of my grandfather."
"N-no, not really. My sister kept saying she would've wanted us to be happy and brought me out to the club with her….that's the night I met you...and Zoro."
"I never got to ask, but who were those guys back at the club that was bothering you?"
"Those were Arlong men, my crazy, obsessive ex-boyfriend, he's been stalking me almost everywhere because he says I need protection. That's just his excuse to follow me around and keep tabs on me like a creep."
"Can't you report him to the police?"
Nami takes a deep breath before exhaling, "even if I do, there isn't much they can do because that asshole keeps donating large amounts to the police force."
"That's...crooked of them."
"Yeah...I know..."
"If you have your own bodyguards you think he'll back off? A friend of mine is a pretty good fighter."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, his name is Jimbe, he runs a martial arts studio near Brooklyn." Luffy's face lights up just mentioning his name.
After Luffy tells her more details on Jimbe and how much of a good fighter he is, Nami actually started to consider him a good fit to be her new bodyguard to take the workload off of Sunny. Once the two had finished sharing the origins of their life stories, Nami offered to clean up while Luffy took a shower.
Once he disappeared Nami made a late-night phone call.
"Hey Chiffon? Sorry I'm calling so late, can you do me a favor? Do you have a notepad with you? I need you to take down an address."
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The day was finally here, the eagerly awaited day had finally come. It was now Friday, the morning was bright and beautiful in Manhattan, New York. Nami was a nervous wreck! She was urinating more than usual and couldn't stop checking her phone. Social media was blowing up with the anticipation of the highly anticipated Grace By Belle fashion show tonight.
Popular social media pages were going on and on about faces that'll make an appearance during the show and models that were walking in the show. Everything had to be perfect for six pm. The red carpet was starting approximately at four forty-five which gives the invited models and designers a chance to walk the red carpet before the show takes place.
Nami, who left the penthouse early, was getting in her early morning massage by her masseuse Nico Robin, whom she made her personal masseuse therapist, due to her pregnancy and also invited her and her husband to the show tonight.
"So who's the father?" Robin asks as she works on Nami's shoulders.
"You know that same fireman that rescued me from the elevator? Yeah him. He's also my boyfriend now, but I'm sure you already speculated that along with the rest of the media. You can't tell anyone I'm pregnant, I don't want the news to get out just yet."
"It must've been fate that he was the one to rescue you. I'm sure you two would make wonderful parents."
"Yeah...let's hope."
"Where is he now? Is he in the car waiting or down in the lobby?"
"Actually, he's at the Zou dome, it's his first time modeling. The models and staff are down there for one last rehearsal before it's go time."
"I'm so happy you invited my husband and I to your event. I've never been to a fashion show before, but I'm sure it'll be wonderful."
Nami turns her head to look at Robin. "You know Robin...you'd be an excellent fit as a model too, you're absolutely gorgeous, tall with long legs, your skin and posture is flawless. You never thought of pursuing modeling?"
"I'm flattered by your compliment, but no. I don't think I'm the age to start modeling."
"You have a thick accent...are you from somewhere in Europe?"
"I'm from Russia. I met my husband when he came to Russia for a business trip. And now, here I am." She chuckles lightly.
"I knew you sounded Russian. I didn't want to assume Russia right away in case you took offense if you weren't from there. I'm from Europe too, Sweden to be specific. I was adopted by my American mother and now, here I am." Nami chuckles, using Robin's words.
The two continued to chat until Robin was finished with giving her a deep tissue massage.
"I don't know if you're tired of hearing this, but your hands are literally magic, I can't wait to see you tonight."
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The event was finally here, at four forty-five pm at the Zou Dome. Nami had her makeup done, a dewy natural soft face, rosy cheeks, and a sleek bun at the back of her head. She wore gorgeous cascading diamond drop earrings in the color white gold. An off the shoulders tiered ruffle ball gown dress in the color orange and laced up white and diamond crossed high heels.
The paparazzi were already taking photos of the celebrity guests that were invited and the media were already interviewing some of the famous faces. Nami hadn't walked the red carpet yet, she was waiting for a certain someone to make their red carpet debut. Nobody except for the models knows that Luffy was walking in the show tonight, everyone thinks he's just her arm candy. She couldn't wait to see the media go crazy once Luffy makes his debut on the runway.
There's a knock at her trailer door. "Come in." Chiffon commands.
Luffy opens the door dressed in an all-black embroidered blazer, a black dress shirt with the first three buttons undone, a fresh haircut with his hair gel back, black polished shoes to match his black ensemble, and a smooth shaved face.
Nami and Chiffon gasp at his appearance. He looked dangerously handsome. His chiseled jawline was more noticeable now that his stubble was gone.
"You look spectacular, you didn't say you were shaving your face," Nami says getting up from her seat after a Chiffon spirits her with some perfume.
"It was a last-minute decision. You look breathtaking." Luffy takes a minute to look her up and down. "Are you ready to go?"
"Yeah, Chiffon I'll be on the carpet with Luffy for at least thirty minutes, make sure everything is ready for when I come back. We can't make any hiccups, we have to be punctual."
"You got it! Have fun you two." She waves them goodbye.
The staff that directs the celebrity figures, surrounds Luffy and Nami as they make their way to the red carpet. Some of the staff had to lift Nami's dress for her so it wouldn't get dirty until they were on the carpet. Once they arrived on the carpet, the paparazzi immediately turned their attention to Nami and Luffy.
"Who has already walked the carpet?" Nami asks one of the staff.
"Dracule Mihawk, Donquixote Doflamingo, the Boa sisters, Moria, Kuma, Sir Crocodile, Stussy, Trafalgar Law, Marshall D. Teach, Soul King, Nojiko and Ace, Apoo, Nefertiti Vivi, Hiyori, Borsalino, and Pappag."
"Good, all my V.I.P's walked the carpet. Now for me and you." She smiles up at Luffy and puts her arm under his, wrapping her arm around to rest onto his forearm.
"Nami! Nami! Over here!"
"Nami to your left!"
"Nami, are you gonna introduce us to your new boyfriend?"
The paparazzi were calling Nami's name left and right. It was a bit overwhelming for Luffy, but he just plastered a smile on his face for the cameras, he thought he'd had gotten used to the camera flashes yet, but not when they're directly flashing into your face. He looked down at Nami who seemed like a natural at this.
"He's-" Nami begins.
"I'm Monkey D. Luffy. Her boyfriend." Luffy answers for himself.
Nami looks up and smirks at him, taking the initiative to speak up.
"Luffy! Nami! To your left!" The cameraman directs.
"Lift your chin a little!"
"Can we get a smooch for the camera?!"
"Yeah, give us a little kiss!"
Luffy looks at Nami who smiles and meets his eyes. "Just a little peck okay? I don't want to mess up my makeup." She tells the cameramen.
Luffy leans down at an angle so she can give him a peck on the cheek.
"Wonderful! Can we get another?!"
"I think that's enough photos," the red carpet assistant ushers the couple towards the media who are eagerly waiting to interview the couple. "Right here." She gestures towards the camera crew where Conis waited.
"Ah, Conis, good to see you." Nami hugs her.
"You look amazing Nami, mind if I get an interview with you and your new man. Monkey D. Luffy right? I heard you announce your name earlier." She looks at Luffy.
"Sure, go ahead." Nami gives her the okay.
Around the carpet, there were media all around interviewing celebrities and the paparazzi were taking photos, capturing every moment.
"Who are you wearing tonight? This dress is gorgeous!" Conis asks.
"This is one of my own designs, it's not in the collection. This is a one-of-a-kind dress I designed as a pre-teen."
"Wow, talented at such a young age. How do you feel having invited some of your competitors to your event this evening? Is this a chess move to intimate the competition?"
"Actually no, some of these designers I invited have either worked with my mother or were very good friends of hers. I have no bad blood with any of the designers that I've invited tonight."
"Monkey D. Luffy, who are you wearing tonight? Your outfit really compliments Nami's outfit, the media is already going crazy about how dashing you are."
"Well, this is just something the stylist gave me to wear. She didn't say who it was, but it's a really nice ensemble." Luffy gives the cameras a thumbs up.
"I have so many questions for you two, I don't want to take up more time, I know you two are extremely busy. Thanks for taking the time for a quick chat."
"Haha, no problem Conis. See you inside." Nami waves her goodbye.
Nami walks along the carpet with Luffy talking with more reporters until her thirty minutes are up. She and Luffy made their way back to the trailers around five seventeen to go their separate ways.
"You're gonna do amazing. Remember what all I taught you." Nami gives him a pep talk before he goes to the back entrance to get changed for hair and makeup.
Luffy gives her a thumbs up before he starts to jog off. "WAIT!" He hears behind him and comes to a stop.
"Hand me your blazer."
He unbuttoned his blazer and gave it to her before she went with the staff backstage. Nami opens her trailer and tosses the blazer on the couch.
"I'm back, let's get ready for the opening. Chiffon, check the blazer for the designer's tag. It got too many compliments for us to not know who Luffy wore tonight." Nami sat on the chair, allowing the makeup artist to remove her makeup and the styling to take off her jewelry and heels.
Chiffon picks up the blazer, "Oh Shit!" She verbally announces.
"Who is it?!" Nami looks at her through the mirror.
Chiffon looks at Nami, "it's Arlong…"
