The couple made their way back to the party where they were eagerly being awaited. The hired photographers were working hard trying to capture photos of the invited guests. Social media was a complete fest with the show being a success, the collection, interview, performance, red carpet photos and Nami's new boyfriend. A glass of exquisite champagne was handed to the two in preparation for a toast.
"Attention everyone, I'd like to make a toast." The chief of the design team announces on the microphone Brooke was singing a sweet melody into.
The band slowly dies out and gives a moment of silence for the speaker of the night.
"I'd like to raise a toast to my bosses, my coworkers and special attendees that made tonight possible. I loved working under the late Belle-mère Karlsson and I'm so grateful to have been given an opportunity to not only work with her, but her amazing daughters Namara and Nojiko. I watched you two young ladies grow up and mature into beautiful, aspiring women. Your mother, my dear friend would be exceptionally proud of you two tonight and I can't express my gratitude towards my coworkers for working late shifts, night and day to meet our deadline." The aging gentleman in his late fifties speaks. "To Grace By Belle!" He raises his glass of champagne.
The audience raise their glasses towards the sky before drinking. Nami chuckles nervously and raises her glass a little. Luffy washes back his glass of liquor. His eyes widening at the taste. "Mm, this is really good."
"I bet it is." She hands her glass to Luffy. "I'm going to mingle with some guests."
"Come find me when you're done. I'll be with my friends." Luffy says before she leaves.
The two part their separate ways and go off on their own. Luffy goes over to mingle with his group of friends whom he invited.
"So…?" He approaches the small group of friends. "Are you guys having a good time?"
"I still can't believe we're here. I should've believed you the first time you told me." Usopp marvels after drinking his champagne.
"This shit is good!" Zoro grabs another glass of champagne off the tray the waiter brought over.
"Where's Sanji?" Luffy looks around asking.
"Probably trying to get a picture with the boa sisters." Usopp explains.
"Pudding would be pissed but she's busy over at the dessert table speaking with the catering staff." Tashigi adds.
"Oh, I forgot to mention, but I put in a good word about you guys. If you're interested, Nami and I can hire you guys and be a part of our team."
"What're you suggesting? Jimbe questions.
"I'm pretty capable when it comes to my own, but I'm more worried for Nami. She doesn't really have a group of bodyguards to protect her and-" Luffy shuts himself up before he slipped any information about her pregnancy. "And I trust you guys to keep her safe."
"Ah, shucks you're making me blush." Usopp rubs the back of his neck.
"Well, I was really meaning Zoro and Jimbe."
"You should've said that in the first place!" Usopp berates him.
Luffy chuckles at his friend's funny expression. "If you want, I can hire you as my manager."
"Hm, I don't mind lending a hand." Usopp pretends to think.
"I think it's a wonderful idea for you guys. The pay will definitely be better and you get to be surrounded by friends all the time." Kaya agrees with Luffy's suggestion.
"So? What'd you guys say?" Luffy looks around for answers.
Zoro and Jimbe share glances between each other, then with Usopp. "That pervy cook isn't involved in this 'team' right?" Zoro asks with a monotonous voice.
"Well, Nami really likes his cooking…"
"We'll do it!" Usopp gives him a thumbs up.
"Really? That's great!" Luffy gets equally excited. "Jimbei?" He looks at Jimbe for his approval.
Jimbei gives him a nod of approval. He looks at Zoro.
"Ah, what the hell," Zoro says before downing his glass of champagne.
"Maybe with the money you earn you can finally propose to me." Tashigi pokes a finger at him, earning a grumble in response.
The small circle of individuals was chatting amongst themselves when a person with a familiar perfume catches Luffy's attention. He whips his head around to see Nami approaching them.
"Ah, Nami, you're just in time." He puts a hand on the small of her back. "You're looking at your new bodyguards. Jimbei and Zoro."
"Is this-" Nami was interrupted by the flirtatious whining of a nearby guest.
"Ah, Sanji!" Luffy waves over.
The blonde looks over to where his friend called him and immediately straightens his posture. He oozes confidence and approaches the group. "My eyes can't get enough of your beauty!" He exclaims with a hand over his heart.
Nami gives him a crooked smile, "ah, it's you again." She chuckles nervously.
"Remember the pasta you enjoyed? He's the one who made it." Luffy informs her.
"You had my cooking?! My heart is overjoyed!" Sanji puts on a dramatic act.
"If you want we can hire him as a private chef and have him a part of our team," Luffy suggests.
"You're really taking control tonight huh?" A smirk appears on Nami's face.
"I trust him to feed you good nutritious food for our baby." Luffy nuzzles into her ear. Causing her cheeks to warm.
Nami looks at him with warmed cheeks, as he is already tipsy after one glass of champagne. "Okay, you can do as you feel. I trust you." She gives him the green light.
"Yosh! Starting tonight. We're a team, a team formed by trust and deep bonds. I trust you guys to take care of me and Nami. But especially Nami. Okay?" Luffy looks around at his group of friends.
"You got it. Boss." Jimbei smiles.
They stood around exchanging contact information and Nami's schedule. Zoro already regretted his choice by seeing the hours he'd have to wake up in the morning.
"Hey, it's Sir Arlong!" The photographers inform each other. They snap photos at the late-arriving unwelcomed pest.
Nami whips her head around at the sudden announcement. Her brows furrowed with furry. What the hell is he doing here?!
