Smile
She stares off the side of the ship. The moon in full view above her. She glances at the gentle water, seeing stars reflected in the deep blue. She met and somewhat joined with this boy. He's quite dopy looking, stupid, and his skills are absurdly comical. But she can't help feeling this draw to him. Hell that Pirate Hunter Zoro joined with him, a Pirate Hunter joined a Pirate crew. She doesn't understand and they've been sailing together for a while, they even got a ship, Going Merry and he got a new friend in Usopp a long nosed liar. She doesn't understand how this childish man can use his raw charisma to make friends. What is he after?
As she ponders she hears a door open behind her. She turns seeing Luffy peeking out from the doorway "What are you doing up so late?" He asks walking out to her. She turns back to the sea staring down at her reflection in the water "Just thinking." She retorts, he hums looking into the water. She glances at his reflection seeing him make the goofiest faces she's ever seen. "What are you doing?" She asks. He pouts "Why aren't you smiling?" She turns to him seeing him stare at her worriedly. "W-Well it's... it's boring out here." She stutters, why the hell should he care about her smile? He grins "Come on then!" He chuckles taking her hand he pulls her toward the middle of the deck.
"Luffy?!" She shouts before he starts dancing, she tries to back away but he just keeps her on her heels and toes "Stop!" She whines as he laughs "I'd be a lot funner if you just joined!" He chuckles twirling her before letting go and grabbing her waist pulling her to him. She nearly stumbles before he catches her "I got you." He continues to dance humming a melody. She sighs, figuring she isn't gonna get out of this she tries to dance with him movements, looking down at his feet. As she starts dance with him she sees his movements become slower, easier to read. She looks up seeing him smile at her. They stare into each other's eyes, the dance becomes slow, and synced, as they dance with each other perfectly.
The fact he slowed down so she could dance really hit her, he stopped his crazed dancing for her. "Your getting it!" He chuckles. She feels the speed being picked up a bit, but not fast enough to where she can't follow. As the dancing soon becomes wild she laughs , seeing him use his rubber abilities as he dances, nearly letting her fall before bouncing her back to him with his rubber arm. They laugh and grin, dancing to the music in their heads. The light of the moon like a spotlight on them. All her horrible memories begin to fade like the sun is rising. But the dance becomes too chaotic and they trip over each other falling onto the ground. She pushes herself off him, staring down at him suspiciously like he ruined the mood, she was honestly enjoying it. But he starts laughing, and she too in turn starts laughing. She has so much on her plate, getting money to buy her village from the horrible pirate Arlong who killed her mother. Yet she's laughing with this stupid rubber boy. "You smiled." She hears looking down at him "W-Why did you want me to smile?" He chuckles "Cause you look better when your smiling, and because I haven't seen you really smile..."
She shifts in bed, the glare of the sun shining through her window. She opens her eyes, feeling suddenly blinded she puts her hand out blocking her eyes from the sun. She sighs sitting up, she stretches yawning as she scratches her head. She gets out of bed walking toward the restroom. She brushes her teeth staring into the mirror at her crazy hair. She never forgot their dance. She spits out the foam, wiping her mouth she smiles softly remembering their dance fondly. She sees her bed head, grabbing a brush she winces as she runs the brush over her hair getting all the knots out. She sets down the brush, turning around in the mirror she glances at her long hair, seeing it look somewhat majestic draping down her back.
She walks out of the restroom, stretching again. She feels like she's forgetting something. She checks the calendar seeing the date with a Pinwheel drawn onto it. She dashes to the window, telling the time by the sun. "Shit!" She runs to the latter, climbing up if she strips off her tank top and shorts getting naked as she starts the shower. Todays the day! And she slept in a bit. She preys she'll have enough time to get ready before the evening. After cleaning her body she dries her hair, before brushing it again. She slips on some normal clothes before grabbing some nail polish, coating her nails in a clear polish. "SANJI!" She calls out as she starts some basic makeup, hardly noticeable.
She puts on an angry face. She heard Luffy had come to Cocoyashi Village, and she assumes it isn't for the ship. As she storms to town from her house she encounters their newest member. "Nami-swan? Are you okay?" He asks. She rolls her eyes, Sanji isn't a bad person, easily manipulated by woman and is a good chief, but she hardly knows him and therefore doesn't care "Just leave, before you get yourself killed." She walks past him ignoring him all together. "A fair lady such as yourself shouldn't have such a solemn expression. I'm sure you know better than anyone how much he loves a smile." He says. She shakes her head walking away "He's an idiot! Just get him and go..." kinda hard to smile when the one person who makes you happy is getting too close to death.
"Nami-Swan! Good morning! You sleep in today, wanna talk about?" He asks happily putting a pile of dresses and clothing on her bed, before bringing in a large 3 piece mirror. She sighs "I just had a good dream is all. Sorry for being late, I gotta get to Usopp soon." She says walking in front of the mirror. He chuckles "You fine Nami-Swan, I'm just surprised you were able to sleep in on a special day, normally your the first one up." He chuckles handing her a yellow dress, the skit going down to her knees. She hums holding it over her, she shakes her head in disapproval handing it to him as he gives her a blue dress "Yea, like I said I had a good dream, and do you have anything in orange?" She asks handing him the blue. "You know he wouldn't care what you wore." He says searching through the pile of dresses. "I care! I wanna show him how much it meant to me." She responds being handed a orange dress. She smirks before changing out of Sanjis sight. "I'm sure he knows, after all you look as happy as can be." Sanji explains. She walks out, wearing the orange dress. It's sleeveless, and the dress is frilly "Do I look nice?" She asks asking for his opinion. He smiles nodding "You look perfect." He says straightening the fabric on her shoulders. "Are you sure? It's not too big is it?" She asks trying to push down her frilly dress. He shakes his head "You look beautiful Nami-Swan, I promise. I'm sure he will very pleased." Nami smiles staring at herself in the mirror she poses a bit trying to improve her confidence, it is a special day for her. "I'll get Usopp, and we're getting everything ready." Sanji says leaving with the rest of the dresses. Nami nods "Thanks." He chuckles "Anything Nami-Swan~"
She growls, that idiot just had to come here?! Usopp quivers standing before Nami and fish men. He groans, quivering "Damn it..." he mumbles "He believed in you! He trusted you! He came all the way here... for you!" She sighs "Then doesn't that say more about your decision to follow him? He's an idiot." Usopp groans "YOU KNOW THATS NOT TRUE!" He shouts furiously. She glances behind her seeing the fish men whisper to each other as they watch the scene. She glares at Usopp "Just... GO!" She shouts running at him with a dagger before stabbing her hand against his chest. He gasps, she grins "Go on and die..." she chuckles pushing him into the water she hides her hand from the fish men. Why hasn't that idiot left yet?
"N-Nami? You aren't changing right?" Usopp asks knocking outside her door. She sighs "I'm not changing." Usopp walks in, holding a small bag "You slept in." He chuckles walking in he closes the door. She sits down, straightening her hair "So I've been told. Can you fix my hair quickly?" She asks. He opens the bag, pulling out a hair brush and a small spray bottle "You can't rush art sadly. 20 minutes at most." He says spritzing her hair before brushing it making it easier to adjust. She pouts "So where is he?" She asks. "He's currently in the shower, Sanji is getting your lunch ready while everyone else is getting the deck ready." He explains putting her hair in a low twisted bun. She sighs "You guys say slept in, I say slept half the day. Didn't even get breakfast." She crosses her arms. He chuckles "I'm sure Sanjis aware. By the way why do you like this bun?" He asks finishing it. As she admires her hairstyle in the mirror she smiles "Let's just say it's a precaution." As she stands up she slips into her slippers before exiting the room "I'm still surprised we're celebrating this even after our 2 years apart." Usopp says. She sighs "I don't think you fully understand what it's like for a girl to finally be free from being oppressed by a absolutely horrible monster. But it's not really because of that..." she says. He smirks "Your right... it's about you and Luffy~ Nami and Luffy sitting in a tree~ K-I-S-S-" he's cut off as she chops at his throat making him cough and gag. She blushes sighing "Shut up! It isn't like that..."
She walks into the kitchen, greeted by Sanji who sets a plate of food on the table "Your lunch Nami-Swan~" she sits at the table, tasting the food, he's a brilliant cook. Usopp crawls in coughing. "Usopp get off the ground, you look pathetic!" Sanji shouts setting water on the table for him. Usopp pants drinking the water. Nami chuckles rolling her eyes at Usopp. "Nami what else would you be doing this for if not him and yourself?" Usopp asks. She sighs "I suppose... it's about us... I just want to say thank you... it meant a lot to me... and it still does." She murmurs rubbing her shoulder. "Excuse me for my words Nami-Swan... but don't you think it's about time you kis-" Sanji got a fist to the face making him fall to the ground "It's not like that! I-I think..."
As she walks through town she sees him. Zoro glares at her before standing and walking in the middle of the road. He sighs "You betrayed his trust. I don't understand why he still believes in you." Zoro growls. She shakes her head ignoring Zoro as she tries to walk past him, stopped by his sword "He may be childish... but that doesn't mean he's blind. If you want him to leave, tell him yourself. If I had it my way, I'd probably kill you for what you did." Zoro says to her. She gulps quivering. He puts his sword away "If you need help. Ask him." He says walking away. She gasps feeling out of breath from his intimidating presence. If she had it her way, she would've ended it all, then maybe that dolt wouldn't have to die.
She stands outside the entrance to the deck. Taking a deep breath she readies herself. "Just go already." She hears turning to see Zoro drinking sake. "Like you'd understand! I'm just nervous." She explains. "You've been nervous for years, you've done this plenty of times. Grow a pair!" Zoro grumbles. She rolls her eyes "It's a special day okay! Leave me be." He huffs "You slept in." She groans, having been told that all day is really infuriating. "Remember, your not the only one who's grown up, so don't cry." He says. She sighs "Just shut up! I'm not going to cry, it was one time!" He chuckles "Yea, he had to rock you to sleep." She hits his head making him grunt, she smiles "Heh, now I'm feeling better. Thanks." She says walking out onto the deck. Zoro sighs rubbing his head "What the hell does he see in her?"
She sobs loudly, she thought they'd keep their word, she thought they actually leave, she thought it was all over. Marines still the 100 berries from her. Arlong didn't hold up his end of the deal. And now everyone she cares about is marching to their deaths. Everything is about to end, and it's all her fault. She looks up, tears streaming down her cheeks as she looks to her shoulder, seeing her tattoo. She growls, her sadness turning to rage as she picks up her dagger. No, it's not me, it's... "ARLONG! ARLONG! ARLONG! ARLONG! ARLONG!" She screams in rage piercing her shoulders flesh with the dagger, stabbing over the tattoo as it cuts through her flesh and rubs against her bone. It doesn't hurt compared to the pain she's experienced for the last few years. Her arm is stopped.
She sniffles, looking over her shoulder "Luffy..." she mumbles. His hat shading his eyes, but she can see the seriousness in them. She drops the dagger, he lets go of her wrist. "What is it! You don't know anything!" She screams at him. "I don't." He says. She starts to sob again "This has nothing to do with you!" She cries loudly "Didn't I tell you to leave! Are you stupid?!" She shouts at him tossing dirt at his feet. "Yep." He says. He isn't leaving. She knows he isn't. He's a good man. She never wanted him to get involved, she never wanted him to die, she never wanted him to see her like this. She starts to sob softly "Luffy..." she turns to him tears streaming down her face "Help me..." without a moments hesitation he plants his hat on her head. She tilts the hat upward looking up at him. He turns taking a deep breath "OF COURSE I WILL!"
She steps onto the deck, feeling a little anxious. She looks around, seeing red and orange streamers hang above her as they wrap around the mast. Brook talks with Robin as they get their instruments prepared. She looks ahead seeing Luffy sitting on the railing. She smiles softly whistling to him. He raises his head turning to her, he grins "Nami." He says jumping on the deck he walks toward her. She giggles seeing him wear a bow tie with his red vest and blue shorts "A bow tie? That's it?" He frowns "I wanted something simple. And besides it made you smile, so I'd call it a win." He chuckles. She sighs rolling her eyes as she grins "I suppose your right." Her left hand holds his right, he holds her waist with his left as her right hooks over his shoulder. As they ready Robin and Brook start playing the violin and piano.
They slowly dance around the grassy deck, her dress swaying with her movement as his vest gusts faintly like a cape. Their feet in sync , making the same movements. "So did you wake up early?" She asks as they dance. He chuckles "Weirdly enough I did. But it was so cold, I don't understand how you can wake up so early." She giggles "Just because I wake up early doesn't mean I leave my room outright. I have to get ready first. Yknow hygiene?" He sighs "I don't know hygiene. Maybe you can introduce me?" He grins. She looks at him knowingly with a smirk "Ha ha. And I just might." He stares at her worriedly for a moment before sniff his armpit "Hey I smell nice!" He retorts. She sighs "Today you do! I even heard you took a shower." She grins. He rolls his eyes twirling her before pulling her back as they continue dancing to the soft music.
"Hey do you mind if we pick it up?" He grins, she smiles nodding "Don't get too wild, I really don't wanna ruin all this work." She points to her hair. "But it's fun to see your wild hair! Like the early morning sun reflected on the waves." He wiggles his arm. She blushes at his remark before, she beams "Thank you for at least mentioning how great my hair is. But Usopp worked real hard on this. Maybe later once I start drinking." He sighs "Fine, but are you sure you can keep up?" He asks with a grin, she smirks "We'll just have to find out won't we?" They both raise their left leg, before tapping their feet against the deck, a signal for Brook and Robin to change from a slow romantic tone to a funky bouncy tone. Brook take the piano as Robin plays the violin.
The music changes to something catchy, making Luffy and Nami smile brightly as they go from their slow coordinated dancing to a wild chaotic bop. She laughs as his rubber abilities really make dancing far funnier. He holds her hand as he stretches his arm nearly laying her on the ground before pulling her back up. They giggle and laugh as they bounce around the deck, sweat flings off their bodies as they have the time of their lives. Robin and Brook chuckling as they watch the both of the act like children.
The two slow down, laughing before tapping their left feet on the deck, changing the music back to the romantic melody. They pant softly staring into each other's eyes as they dance slowly across the deck. "That was fun!" He grins, she giggles nodding "I had a lot of fun." She smiles at him. They dance in silence, calming down. She moves her body a bit closer, feeling him adjust his grip around her waist. "You okay?" He asks, she nods staring at him with a soft caring gaze "Yea... I just always forget how fun it is... dancing with you." He chuckles "As long as it makes you happy we can dance for as long as you want, but expect breaks cause I get hungry easily." He says patting his stomach. She rolls her eyes "Yea I know, and I hope you know I'm always happy."
The sun nears its dawn. Brook and Robin pack up as Luffy and Nami finish. "Thank you for joining me today." She says feeling giddy from todays events. He nods "Of course, but can we do one more thing? It won't take long." He says glancing at the sky for a moment. She stares at him curiously but nods "Sure, what did you have in mind?" She asks. He takes her hand with a smile leading her to the Lion head he jumps over the mane helping her over he sits her beside him. She blushes, currently their alone, what's he planning? She thinks. "So what are we doing." He grins, gently brushing his fingers against her cheek he turns her gaze ahead "Do you remember?" He asks. She turns her gaze ahead, seeing the full sun just inches away setting.
The building crumbles, dust and smoke burst out as it collapses. "Luffy!" She screams trying to rush to the rubble before Sanji and Usopp stop her pulling her away from the falling rubble. As the smoke clears she looks head, holding onto his hat. The sun shine just above the rubble. A moment of silence as everyone gazes at the ruins of Arlong Park. "Luffy..." she murmurs, tearing up, after everything he did he still... she starts sobbing quietly before the sound of scraping stone draws everyone's attention to the rubble. A man stands out from atop the pile of broken stone and wood. The man pants heavily, blood dripping off his body from the bite and scratch marks. The man casts a shadow as the sun sets behind him. She stares up seeing the figure she holds back her sobs covering her mouth, it's him. "NAMI!" The man shouts at the top of his lungs. "YOULL ALWAYS BE MY FRIEND!"
She whimpers, covering her eyes with his hat as she nods. The townsfolk cheer and chant for the hero. She raises her hat seeing Luffy, and she can't help but smile. He starts walking off the rubble, nearly tripping as he reaches the bottom before he rushes and catches him. She clutches his vest sobbing into his shoulder as she holds his exhausted and bloodied body. "I... got you..." she murmurs into his neck, holding him tightly. He chuckles patting her back "Not too tight, kinda bleeding out here." She sighs loosening her hold "Thank you..." she whispers. He grins "Don't you think you've cried enough?" He asks rubbing her back. She feels her eyes become watery, she giggles softly, she pulls back. Seeing his bloody beaten up face with a wide grin. She smiles at him, the sun behind him making her tears and watery eyes glimmer "Thank you Captain..." he chuckles "Your free..."
"Nami? Crap I didn't mean for this to make you cry." He groans. She glances at him, she raises her hand feeling something leak down her cheek she wipes it. "W-Why?" She asks staring at him as she tears up. He sighs "Well... I wanted to see that smile again. After Arlong Park fell you gave me this smile of pure happiness. I just wanted to see that smile again. But I never meant to make you cry!" He exclaims. She whimpers wiping her tears away as she starts crying, she sobs into her hands remembering that day, the day he freed her, she never felt more happy in her life, and it was all thanks to him. She opens her eyes feeling something on her head she glances up, seeing his Strawhat. He smiles awkwardly "Sorry for making you cry." She wipes her tears away, recalling what Zoro said "Your not the only one who's grown up." She smiles at him, twinkling as she chuckles softly "Thank you Captain..." he sees her, grinning "You'll always be my nakama." He whispers. She sees a small tear go down his cheek, she starts crying again "N-Nami?!" He exclaims worriedly. She hugs him tightly sniffling as she calms down. She nuzzles against his cheek, mewling softly before kissing over the small tear he had. He nuzzles back, putting his arm around her holding her close as she clams down from crying so much. "I didn't fight just so you cry..." he murmurs, she nods "I know... but now... I have to freedom to cry... don't I?" She chuckles. He laughs "I guess you do!" He rubs her back.
Everything in italics is in the past, and everything normal is current. Just wanted to let you know in case no one got that. Anyways I added my own little changes to the flashbacks. And the first flashback at the beginning of the story takes place before Baratie. I kinda wanted to start off the story with the big theme of well I guess love or friendship. Basically the whole point of this story is Nami's smile and the freedom Luffy gave her by Arlongs defeat. So to add some context Nami wanted to celebrate Arlongs defeat, making it a special holiday of sorts or an anniversary. So after getting ready she and Luffy dance to celebrate, just the two of them. Apologies for the lack of me explaining the dancing in detail, I'm not very good at that but you can imagine what Luffy and Nami dancing would be like if he used his rubber powers. While there are other characters this story is mainly about Nami and Luffy and the special relationship they have. I hope you enjoyed. By the way I'm sorry for making so many Luffy X Nami stories, I'm having a withdrawal of sorts cause Stranded ended, so to fill in that gap I'm just making a bunch of a Luffy and Nami stories. Sorry if I'm making too many. But also not sorry cause I love Luffy X Nami.