Warning: Some violence.

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece or the characters, they belong to Eiichiro Oda.

A False Respite

Nojiko slowly picked her way through the trees, gaze trained on the foliage around her as she searched for fresh lingonberries. Arlong had allowed her to return to her chores once the cuts from the lashings had healed. Her fever eased after a few nights in his hall thanks to the heartier broth and berries Hachi had slipped into her room when Arlong wasn't paying attention. Hachi had also given her one of his extra furs, and even tended to her when the fever left her too weak to leave bed. It was a kind reprieve, but it was one she knew would not last.

Two months had passed since Nami fled Tingstad, and Arlong was growing ever more restless. Chew had yet to return from Hedeby, only making the jarl's temper thin with every day that passed. He had sent out another ship to creep up the coast and question other svear villages and farms. One returned three days earlier with no information that would help him. He was tempted to seek out this Norse king himself, but he remained while sending smaller envoys out onto the straits. He didn't want any other chieftains or kings to believe he was weak without his hostage, or that his hostage might be precious enough for them to hold onto themselves. He was tempting that fate enough by sending Chew to Hedeby and it's Danish earl.

Nojiko had quietly passed her thanks to the gods every time she heard no news of Nami's whereabouts, hoping that they had some hand in keeping Nami hidden from Arlong.

"Nojiko," Hachi called from her right. She glanced up to see him waving to her further up the hill. "Over here. There's a large patch growing that should be enough for dinner tonight."

She forced a smile and slipped through the bushes to see the swath of red berries Hachi had found. He was already crouched beside one shrub and carefully plucking ripe berries to pile in his basket. He had been tasked as her guard that day, but unlike the other men, he tried to help with her chores. Kuroobi would have stood back and glowered at her the whole time she worked, maybe even grumbled complaints or threats. Others were cruel enough to be a hindrance to her work. Compared to the rest, she was grateful for Hachi's small mercies. He had a kinder soul than his brothers, even if he could be just as cruel.

"I'll help you make your sauce," Hachi volunteered as they picked. "Your cough is still troubling. You should rest."

His remark came just as she swallowed down a cough, refusing to show her continued weakness. No matter how kind Hachi was now, he was as liable to turn on her as any of the others. If Arlong ordered he punish her for any perceived slight, he wouldn't question it.

"I'm fine," she croaked. "You're better at cleaning and preparing fish. I can handle the rest."

He paused in his gathering to glower over his shoulder at her. She ignored him as she continued to pick berries.

Hachi sighed. "If you insist. But tell me if you're feeling unwell. I'll get one of the thralls to help you."

She gave him a noncommittal hum in response. She didn't need the help, even if she was feeling ill. She would rather suffer through her work than laze in bed, fretting over her sister's whereabouts and whether Arlong would find her.

A horn bellowed from the river and they both stopped their work to see what the commotion was. Hachi jumped to his feet at a second horn blast, letting out an excited shout as they spied the masts and flags of two ships.

"Chew's returned," Hachi announced. He turned to her and waved for her to hurry. "We need to finish quickly so we can greet them with a good meal."

She would rather greet them with poison, but sadly she had nothing to poison their food that would guarantee all of them died. She had contemplated many times over the years to poison Arlong's meals, but she inevitably cowered at the rare chances. If he died, his men would terrorize and destroy their village. If any of his men died, it would be the same, until the culprit was found and executed as an example. He might execute more than one supposed culprit, not all guilty, just to drive fear into their hearts should they consider poisoning them again.

Putting her thoughts of ending their torment aside, Nojiko finished her picking with haste. If they didn't hurry, Arlong would be there to fetch them. He would not want her to miss this meeting, if only so he could rub her nose in her supposed failure of protecting her sister.

Once they were finished, they hurried down into the village. She could hear Arlong's laughter ring from the hall before they neared it. The closer they came to the hall, the more his laughter blended with the voices and chuckles of other men.

When they came to the square, Nezumi's men were unloading their chests to settle in the hall for the night. Most of his men were Frankish, but he had a handful of Norman within his company that crafted his boats and trained his crew. Nezumi, himself, was a rat. Plain and simple. His only loyalty was to gold, though it benefited him to pretend otherwise to the Frankish king. He played the part of merchant and returned to Paris with secrets and news to be gifted to his king, and then returned to the north to sell whatever he knew about the Franks and Normans, or any other groups that mattered.

He was the very type of person Arlong preferred. He only respected wealth, so he would rather deal with those that spoke the same language of gold and jewels that he did. It was how he kept Nami in line for so many years, though her greed was exaggerated for his benefit. Nami, naturally, loved gold and jewels, but she loved her people far more. There were some treasures she deemed truly priceless and irreplaceable, and those treasures rarely held the same luster as a necklace or crown. Arlong convinced her to cater to his demands by handing her a new necklace with one hand, and holding a knife to the throat of a friend with the other. The latter did far more to persuade Nami than the former, but she would rather Arlong believe treasure was enough. It prevented him from not only making those threats, but acting on them. So long as everything went his way, he could be a very agreeable man.

They entered the hall to find Arlong perched in his grand chair, lifting a cup of ale to Chew and Nezumi where they stood in front of him. Chew lifted his own cup in a lazy gesture, then collapsed onto a bench to guzzle down his drink. He looked exhausted. Between the voyage and the stress of searching for Nami, his weariness was to be expected. Nojiko could find no sympathy for him.

Nezumi looked skittish, but raised his own cup before taking a less than generous sip. His countenance gave an impression of fear mixed with a haughty sense of disgust. He didn't want to be in their heathen village any more than most of the villagers did, but he was wise enough to answer Arlong's summons rather than face his wrath. When he glanced toward the door to see who entered, his fear vanished, leaving only an arrogant smirk she wanted to punch.

"Nojiko," Arlong greeted, a wide grin filled with false cheer aimed her way. "You're just in time to greet our honored guest. Nezumi, you remember Nami's adopted sister, don't you?"

"Of course," he said with a tittering laugh. He bowed his head in a mockingly polite greeting. His wiry brown beard grew in sparse around in his cheeks, like the whiskers of the very rat he was, while a thick tuft graced his chin. The hairs on his cheek seemed to twitch with his smile. It was enough to rankle and leave her suspicious. Loki was a more honorable and trustworthy man than the cretin in their hall. "It's been a few years since I've had the pleasure of seeing either of you girls—Jarl Arlong's always so protective of you two with outsiders. It's unfortunate that your sister's disappearance is the reason I'm in your company today."

She pushed back the urge to sneer at his snide comment, but couldn't resist a withering glare. Arlong's cup slammed onto the arm of his chair, making her jump and turn her attention to the glowering jarl.

"Nojiko, see about getting our guests something to eat," he growled. She swallowed down her fear and gave him a stuttered nod before heading toward the storage room. "And do something about that poor attitude, woman," he called after her. "You treat our guests with respect."

She said nothing and gave no sign that she understood as she hurried out of the room. Arlong's anger was the least of her worries right then. She wished there was some way to send a warning to Nami, but all she had was a fleeting hope that she was safe and would run at the first sign of Nezumi's men.

The thralls helped her piece together a platter of herring while she prepared the lingonberries for a sauce. As they worked around the meal-fire in the main hall, she split her attention between her cooking and the conversation between the men.

Nezumi had taken a seat across from Arlong, and both men leaned forward to signal a need for privacy. Kuroobi stood behind Arlong, his arms crossed and ever-present glare set on Nezumi. He didn't like the rat either, but the man was too useful to be rid of.

"I have heard of this man proclaiming himself king," Nezumi was saying between sips of ale. "He resides in Oslofjord but his family once lived in Svealand. Birka, I believe."

Nojiko stiffened at the village name. She knew the tales of Birka, Bellemere had seen fit to share more about her homeland than she did for Nami. It was Nojiko's responsibility to protect her in their mother's stead, she needed to know who could be trusted and who should be avoided. Anyone from Birka could be a danger depending on the clan they came from, or the god they worshiped. The Christians might have found peace with Nami's family once, but they had a stronger foothold in the north now and showed little mercy in converting any who continued to follow the old gods. If this king was once one of them, Nami might be better off in Arlong's hall.

"That isn't far from Nami's homeland," Arlong mused. She glanced up to see him staring at her with a thoughtful frown. He likely had similar thoughts as her, but he should know even less than she did. He didn't know the truth of Nami's heritage, he still thought her a daughter of Rán. And he knew nothing of the tales passed down within the family or those told to the shieldmaidens who swore their oaths to them. "I have heard rumors that he claims himself a seer, too."

Nezumi tittered. "He does. But I have yet to witness this feat. The rumors I've heard also claim him to be half-mad, so his prophetic abilities are likely nothing more than a farce to scare the masses."

"Farce or not, he has enough people that believe him and follow him that he can claim himself a king. And he is one that Nami might seek, assuming she made it that far at all. She left here in a faering and I doubt that old boat could weather the straits." Arlong scratched his chin in thought. "I have sent men along our coast in search of her, but I have found nothing."

"Perhaps she drowned at sea," Nezumi said. "Your Rán might have taken her daughter back to her hall."

"No," Arlong growled, his stubborn glare set on Nezumi hard enough to make the man tremble with unease. "Rán did not take her. No god has taken her, not yet. She has survived slaughter at the hands of your people, she is too strong, too valuable to be lost to the sea. She is lost somewhere in Noreg, I'm certain."

"Why have you not sought out this king, then?" Nezumi asked as he forced himself to calm. "Why call for my aide?"

"Because Nami will flee the moment she sees any of my ships. And if this king truly has a gift of foresight, he might see me coming before my ships arrive, but he might overlook a visit from a Frankish merchant seeking new trade," Arlong reasoned.

Nezumi shifted in his seat with an obvious grimace. "Jarl Arlong, if I may be frank," he began. Arlong gestured for him to go on. "This king is a dangerous man, especially to a good, God-loving Christian, such as myself. He overthrew the previous king, another good, Christian man who was making headway in converting the pagans of the region. He slaughtered any person that dared claim allegiance to the old king, or the religion he tried to establish. He is merciless in his tyranny."

Arlong leaned forward with a sickening grin. "You deal with me without reserve, this man should be no different."

Nezumi cleared his throat and gripped his cup tighter. "You and I speak the same language." He glanced at Arlong's belt and the heavy purse of gold hanging from it. "This king loves his gold, but not as a form of currency. Gold is an offering to be made to him, not money to be exchanged."

"Then make him an offering," Arlong bit out impatiently. "Give him whatever he desires that might make him amenable in helping us. If he has Nami, I want her back, no matter the cost. She's more valuable than all the gold I have in my hall. And if he does not have Nami, but might have a clue of where she is hiding, then I want whatever he knows."

"If that is what you insist," Nezumi said, a tremor of fear in his voice that was belied by the greedy smile he tried to hide with his cup, but Nojiko caught the corner of. "This favor will be very expensive."

Arlong glanced over his shoulder at Kuroobi. With a wave of his hand, Kuroobi went to the main sleeping chambers and returned bearing a heavy chest. Nezumi sat straight with obvious excitement as he witnessed the man grunt and struggle with the treasure. He failed to stifle his gleeful laugh when Kuroobi dropped it onto the table in front of him, the weight of it making the wood crack beneath.

Nezumi reached for the chest, but Arlong slapped his hand on the lid to stop him. "This will be the first payment. Use it to buy this king's aide. If you succeed in this task, I will not only gift you with another chest, but I will give you directions to a massive hoard Nami has buried nearby—gold she pilfered from your lands, as well as my own chests."

Nojiko dropped the spoon she had been stirring her sauce with and spun to gape at Arlong. "You can't take that," she yelled. "You said she could keep it."

"I said she could have her treasure if she remained loyal to me," Arlong growled. "But since she has abandoned me, then she has lost the right to retain the little bit of wealth she's saved." He leveled her with his devious grin. "Don't fret, Nojiko. I'll allow Nami the opportunity to rebuild that hoard when she returns to me. And when I take over rule of her father's house, you two will have the funds to restore your village, just as promised."

"But it's taken her eight years to build that hoard! You can't just take it from her," she argued, but with a single wave of his hand, Kuroobi was there to smack her across the cheek, silencing her with one strike as she fell to the floor.

"Enough of your defiance," Arlong hollered as she sat on the floor, nursing her bruised cheek and fighting back tears. "This was Nami's doing. You have only her to blame. Your riches would still be in your possession and you would have your illusion of freedom in this household. But you helped her flee, and for that, your wealth is gone and I will no longer tolerate your contempt." He nodded to Kuroobi. His man snatched her by the arm and hauled her from the floor. He tossed her over his shoulder in a swift move, heedless of her struggles. "I thank you for your help with the meal, Nojiko, but I believe the slaves can finish it. Lock her in her room. Let her sit a few days in there and perhaps she'll learn to hold her tongue in my presence."

"Arlong," she growled, fighting at Kuroobi's grip.

"Say another word, and I'll have that tongue cut out, woman," Arlong growled back.

She snapped her mouth shut, but continued to glare as Kuroobi carried her out of the room. The moment she was gone, she heard Arlong's bellowing laughter mix with Nezumi's snickering. They were having a good laugh at her expense, but she didn't care. All that mattered was that Arlong had his aide and that he would not rest until Nami was found. His determination alone would see he succeeded in recovering her.

Kuroobi tossed her into the tiny room that she once shared with Nami. She landed hard on her hip and bit back a cry of pain.

"Make another fuss like that, I'll take my whip to you again," Kuroobi warned. "Arlong will want to hear you scream one last time before he takes that foul tongue of yours."

Before she could have a chance to make a retort, he slammed her door shut and dropped the outer bar in place. She was trapped in there for however long Arlong deemed necessary. She could only assume it would be two or three days before she was released.

With a resigned sigh, she crawled into her bedding. At least he imprisoned her inside the hall. She doubted she could handle another stay in the barn. In her room, she had comfortable bedding, if nothing else. It was far more tolerable, but the next time she spoke out, he might stick her in the barn before enacting his punishment. She would be wise to keep her head down. Her temper was usually far more even, it was Nami that was the obstinate and argumentative one. But this was Nami's future freedom he was taking, the glimmer of hope they once shared. She couldn't stand to see that lost for good. Not when he had already decided to rip away any chance of freedom for Nami, that gold would still buy their peoples' lives back. Nami would never forgive him for that, and neither could she.

There was a soft knock at her door, a whisper of her name. She glanced up when she heard the bar slide from its place. The door eased open, just wide enough for her to see Hachi's sympathetic smile. He held a finger to his lips, then slid a plate of herring and lingonberry sauce into the room, along with a cup of ale. He crept out as quietly as he came, slid the bar back into place, and then she was left alone to listen to the creaks of his footsteps as he slipped back toward the main room.

Again, she was grateful for the small mercy, but whatever appetite she might have had was lost to the sinking weight of dread in the pit of her stomach.

She could only pray that the gods were watching over Nami. She was helpless to do anything else.

Nami never imagined how grateful she would be to see the entrance to Drafnsfjord.

It had taken over a week to reach Álasund, their voyage plagued by storms and rough seas. Sind had been sick throughout much of the journey, his stomach unsettled with the rocking boat even in the calmest waters. Nami spent most of her time holding him steady as he vomited overboard. He couldn't even keep water down, leaving her frantic with worry as he curled up in her arms, whimpering from hunger and thirst. Heat had a small satchel of herbs he hoped might ease the boy's nausea, but there wasn't much and the effects hardly seemed to last long before he was vomiting again.

Her inability to communicate with the boy made her stress all the worse. She wanted to soothe him, and she supposed her tone was enough to convey her sympathy, even if he couldn't understand her words. At night, amid the storms, she wanted to ease his fears with tales from their lands, but the language barrier hindered her until Killer agreed to translate. The stories helped keep him from turning fearful as the boat creaked and groaned in the churning waves, even if they did nothing to take away his nausea.

She told him about Thor and how his mighty hammer wrought the lightning streaking overhead and created the roar of thunder that deafened them. She told him about Rán in her watery hall and how she conjured tempests so she might bring men and gold to her hall to play. She told him about Aegir, the giant that was the very sea itself, the husband of Rán, and how he was a good friend to the gods, inviting them into his hall to share his renowned ale. She told him every story she could remember, of any gods that struck her thoughts, until he managed to fall asleep. He would inevitably wake an hour or two later, but the little bit of rest he had helped make the voyage bearable.

She hardly slept. Too worried for the boy as he grew pale and weak, anticipating his next spell of nausea and hoping he would survive the voyage. Gunda did what she could to care for the boy, allowing her a respite, but she still had to navigate, a task made all the more important as she sought the calmest route possible, only to run into one long, unavoidable line of storms that required her whole attention to keep their ship in one piece.

When the storms finally passed, they had to slow their pace and wait for the other ships in their group to reappear. It took over a day before they were all gathered again, and fortunately by that point the worst of Sind's sickness passed. He still looked a little green when their boat rolled on a swell, but he swallowed down two bites of dried fish without throwing it back up.

In that lull she had been given a true chance to rest. She curled up with Sind near the stern of the ship, under Kid's watchful eye, and dozed off. It was a chilly night, but she was too tired to care. Sind was warm in her arms and that was all that mattered. She woke near the dawn twilight with Kid's fur draped over her and pressed against his side as he napped with them. He was warm and comfortable. She wanted nothing more than to curl into him and go back to sleep, but with dawn approaching, she needed to be alert. He grumbled and complained in his sleep as she pulled away, but settled again when she moved Sind into her place, leaving the boy to get more rest.

Kid wasn't pleased when he woke to find her missing, a child in her place, and glared at where she stood with Killer at the steering oar. He couldn't be too mad, she did have a job to do, after all.

With all the ships joined up again, it didn't take long before they noticed signs of land. She could smell the trees on the wind and hear the cries of sea birds mixed with the quiet crash of the waves against a rocky shore. Sind grew excited at the first glimpse of the lands he would call home, the rocky fjords completely novel to him.

And then they were gifted with the sight of a whale's back rolling along the surface near their ship. Sind had never seen a whale and was left awestruck. When the whale's back breached the surface for a breath, it seemed as if the boy's sea sickness was completely forgotten as he leaned over the wale, giggling at the strange, foreign creature.

Killer stood with him to see that he didn't fall overboard. He told the boy that Aegir had sent the animal to greet him to their lands and welcome him home. Sind smiled wide and Nami glimpsed a few tears sparkle in his eyes as he watched the whale swim alongside them. He couldn't be happier, relieved to hear that he might find a place in their world, the home he had longed for. She hoped it stayed that way for him, but she wasn't so naïve to think that their world would be any better for him. They would do everything in their power to keep him content, though.

They stayed in Álasund only long enough to mourn their losses with Iceburg and his village, leaving two days after the funeral and celebrations. The few days there were busy for all of them. They had to unload the hoard to see it properly divided, restock the ships, and help prepare for the feasts.

Nami remained with the women, much to Kid's annoyance, and artfully avoided him every time he tried to corner her to steal the affection he swore to get every day. It might only be a kiss he sought every night, but she still hesitated to give it. Their time in Britain showed her that one kiss was never enough for either of them. Between Gunda and Kalifa, she was well guarded against him most of the time, and if they weren't enough to keep him at bay, Sind made for an ideal distraction that stole her away from Kid any time he got too close.

She visited Kokoro their last night in Álasund, shared with her the wine they promised to return with, and told her all that she had experienced on the voyage. Sind came along to play with Chimney. When the young girl learned that he didn't yet speak Norse, she took up the task to teach him as many words as she could. She dragged him over the island, pointing at trees and rocks and streams while saying their names for him to repeat. The kindness gave Nami hope that he would receive the same help from the people in Drafn, just as Kid promised.

She had learned much on her journey, but the hardships she faced left her eager to return home, or at least what had become her home. Her world promised enough hardships in the future, for now she desperately needed a respite, a chance to soothe her weary heart. She needed to rejoice in the life she had while she still had it.

The long, winding fjord that would lead to their homes invited them to relax, to breathe a sigh of relief, and look forward to greeting their families with the treasures they secured. As weary as they all were from the voyage, the ship thrummed with energy that grew with every familiar landmark they passed. Men spoke of seeing their wives or lovers again, often with vulgar detail of what they intended to do the moment they crossed the threshold into their home. Others spoke of seeing their children, their parents. One looked forward to greeting his horse. Another just wanted his own bed without the ragged snoring of his brothers to interrupt his sleep.

Kid didn't bother to join in their conversation, but the looks he cast to her from the stern said enough. In his hall, she would have nowhere to flee from his advances, and the thought left her an odd mixture of fearful and giddy that she couldn't yet comprehend. He had made his intentions clear, but her own interests remained muddled with grief and worry and confusion over feelings she never anticipated having in her life. She didn't know where this path might lead them, or whether it was the right course considering what she had seen, and that confusion made her wary of encouraging the bond and attraction that had grown between them. But at the same time, she was curious to know how it would feel to give in to the ecstasy unleashed in his embrace, regardless of whatever future lay ahead of them.

She cared for him, and she desired him, but to linger in those feelings was dangerous to them both, no matter how tempting they might be.

The horns echoed from the village when it came into sight and distracted Kid from the gazes he sent her. She eagerly set about preparing to land, helping the men gather the lines to cast to those waiting on the docks while other men used their oars to slow the ship. When the ship came to a halt and the ties were secure, Nami and Gunda helped Sind climb onto the dock, leaving the men behind to see to the chests and their hoards.

The docks were crowded with men ready to help the jarl and his men unload, so Nami snatch Sind's hand to keep him from getting lost or knocked into the water with all the commotion. The shore was lined with the rest of the village, women eagerly searching the ships for a glimpse of a lover or husband while they restrained excited children.

One of those children slipped away, much to her grandmother's consternation, and ran on small, clumsy legs between the men, aiming for Nami. She nearly tripped a few men in her haste, and nearly tripped, herself, but managed to break through the worst of the crowd with a bright smile. Nami released Sind's hand as she crouched down to catch the little girl in a hug, laughing at the unexpectedly excited greeting.

"I see we were missed," Nami said.

"Magnus took my doll again and ripped its hair out," she explained. "I told him that you'd punish him for it when you returned."

"Oh, is that so?" she huffed, searching through the crowd until she spotted a boy duck behind his mother before sprinting away from the water. "I'll see that he pays a fine for it, or have Jarl Eustass put him to work."

"What are you volunteering me for?" Kid grunted as he came up behind her, a chest perched on his shoulder. His injuries had healed well enough that the task didn't strain him much, but she could tell he was still uncomfortable as he shifted the weight to rest better on his shoulder.

"One of the boys ruined her doll," she said and then turned back to the girl. "I'll help you make a new doll." She glanced to the boy hovering uncertainly at her side. "If you promise to help welcome Sind into the village. Sind, this is Ingvild," she introduced, gesturing to the girl so he might understand her. "And her grandmother, Ingrid," she added as she pointed toward the old lady waiting at the end of the docks.

He nodded and repeated each name, earning a smile and pat on the head from Kid while Ingvild stared at him curiously, her head cocked to the side. Nami didn't give her long to ponder the boy's origins as she picked her up to perch on her hip and carry back down the dock. She took Sind's hand again and led the way to Ingrid, the old lady tutting and mumbling under her breath as she glowered at her granddaughter. Gunda followed behind her, muffling her laughter as Ingvild clung around Nami's neck. Kid's heavier footsteps rang off the wooden deck just behind them, grunting and cursing under his breath as he walked.

Ingrid greeted them with a confused look, pointedly staring at the boy at Nami's side and their clasped hands. "Whose child is this?" she asked.

"Just another stray," Kid grunted as he passed by. He grazed his free hand over her back and she went stiff with the touch. He said nothing else as he headed toward his hall, leaving her to explain while ignoring the tingle crawling up her spine from his fleeting touch.

Ingrid frowned at the child and then cast a sweeping gaze over the men leaving the ships. Her frown deepened when she met Nami's gaze again. "I see another stray of his missing," she said solemnly. "I fear you have brought back unhappy news with your hoard."

Nami tried to smile, but it trembled at the thought of recounting all that happened in England. "Bittersweet," she insisted. "Let's go to the hall. I need to find something for Sind to eat. We can talk there."

Ingrid gave a stern, understanding nod and Gunda hurried to the old woman's side to help her to the hall.

She was tired and in need of rest, but she had a child to see to and a meal to help prepare as the villagers began to gather in the hall, all interested in news of the raid. They would, once again, need to prepare for another funeral for those lost from their territories, but that night was only for celebration and stories. Halle led a chorus of men in song. Kid drank with his men until most were asleep at their tables. Hróarr broke into a fit of sobs after too much ale and Heat hauled him off to rest. Gunda stayed at her side until she was falling asleep beside her. Sind had fallen asleep on Nami lap while she examined Ingvild's doll and considered if she could salvage the poor thing. As the revelry wore down, Killer came to carry Sind off to a bed, freeing Nami to go to bed, too.

She said her good-nights to those still awake and shuffled off to her room without a thought. She wanted nothing more than to fall into bed and sleep, but when she reached her room, she found her chest sitting there and groaned at the thought of all that she needed to wash. She was going to have a busy day tomorrow between washing and mending and sewing new clothes for Sind. She was exhausted just thinking about it.

She pushed the chest to the corner, resolving not to think about her chores until the morning, and began to take the braids from her hair to comb the long strands out. Her hair needed washing, too, and she longed for another bath. She promised herself that she would find the time for one the next day.

A floorboard creaked behind her as she set her pins on her table. She began to turn to see who was there, but was startled by two strong arms embracing her and a large body crashing into her back.

"Finally have you to myself," Kid slurred as he brushed his lips against her neck. His beard tickled her skin, sent a shudder of pleasure down her spine, and the kiss he left only made the sensation grow stronger. He hadn't done anything more and her breath was already growing short and her legs weak. He groaned as he clutched her tight and suckled the tender spot beneath her ear that made her mind go numb with pleasure.

She realized that she truly had nowhere to run now that they were home. With their adjoining rooms, he was free to come and go as he pleased, unless she put an end to this first.

"Kid, stop," she pleaded, forcing her mind to retain some reason as she pushed at his arms. He growled and held her tighter, so she slammed her elbow into his gut as hard as she could. He released her with a coughed curse, stumbling back as he gasped in a breath. She turned to him and glared with her arms crossed firmly over her chest. "Go to your bed," she ordered.

He rubbed his injured stomach and glared back. "You avoid me in Álasund, now I finally get you alone and you shove me away? That ain't fair."

"We discussed this, Kid," she huffed. "You can't push this on me."

"I ain't pushing anything," he argued. "Just keeping my promise to prove myself to you."

"And how is cornering me in my bedroom with the intention of seducing me going to do that?"

He scratched his beard as he glowered. "I wasn't going to seduce you."

"Oh? You weren't? So, you were just going to force yourself on me, then?" she asked, her brow raised, daring him to refute her.

Kid hissed and looked away. "I wasn't planning to do that, either. You know how feel about that, Kitten." She didn't allow herself to relax at his reassurance. He might not respect a man that took a woman by force, but that didn't mean he was incapable of doing it himself. He was plenty forceful when it came to getting her kisses in Britain. "I just want a kiss before bed."

"And if I say no?" Her brow rose higher as she leaned against her table.

He scratched his beard again as he frowned. "Tsh, not even one?" Her arms tightened over her chest and she narrowed her eyes on him. Kid hissed again. "You were plenty generous in giving them before."

Nami pursed her lips and then relaxed with a sigh. "Things are different now, Kid. We're home. We're back in a stable world, with rules and expectations. There are boundaries you have to respect."

Kid sneered, but she silenced any possible argument with a glare.

"What happened before might have opened my eyes to something else existing between us, but that doesn't change the fact I cannot enter into this relationship so impulsively. I have far more to consider than a night in your bed," she explained.

"I was hoping for more than one night," he muttered under his breath.

She threw a comb at him. "One night or an eternity of nights, it doesn't matter…. Actually, I would say that if you were seeking the latter, that is even more reason for me not to jump in without giving this proper consideration."

"I already told you I don't give a shit about the curse, and I don't think you should worry about it, either," he grumbled as he stumbled back to fall onto her bed. He slumped over to scrub his face in his hands, releasing a frustrated, tired groan. "But I know I shouldn't expect you to change your mind that quick. I told you that I'd prove my worth."

"Yet you still corner me, seeking affection in the privacy of my bedroom—I highly doubt you would stop yourself if I give in to your seduction."

He glanced over his hands to glare, but then the look softened as his gaze swept over her. "You got a point there," he relented, hiding his face in his hands again. "You can shove me down and mount me right now and I'd just praise the gods for it."

She rolled her eyes. "You act like you've been suffering a lifetime, not a few weeks."

"It's been a long few weeks," he grumbled.

"Well, then you better get used to the suffering because I intend to do this properly," she said with a decisive nod. She had made up her mind on one thing, at least. He glanced up again, brow raised in silent question. "You know that my family is unique in its matriarchal status."

"And? What's that got to do with this?"

"Men were forbidden within the clan's immediate family except for those deemed suitable to father the next heir," she reminded. "My foremothers were not allowed to wed, or even humor an affair with a man outside of the fertility ritual." Kid scowled, his brows furrowed as she spoke. He looked confused and ready to argue whatever point she was making, but she held up a hand to say she wasn't done. "I doubt you've given thought to the idea of fathering the next daughter of my lineage. In fact, I doubt you've even thought of that consequence at all." He looked away with a hiss to tell her that she was not wrong. She continued. "What you're seeking with me is expressly forbidden. In the past, I would have been given no choice in this matter. In the absence of male relatives, my mother and the clan's priestesses and shieldmaidens would have only considered a suit under the terms of the ritual and nothing more. Any man seeking more was banned from showing their face in our territory again, if not killed."

She held her head a little higher and looked down her nose at Kid. "They had standards for the men they chose, too. As a jarl with a… respectable amount of wealth, they might have considered you a worthy partner, but the moment you voiced your true intentions, you would be found lacking. And if marriage, or any other form of union, was permitted, their standards would likely hold you to greater scrutiny that I'm not sure your current station would meet."

Kid growled. "Why not?"

"Because marriage is meant to be to the advantage of both families. In their eyes, you would benefit most in the union, while I would be hobbled. You might be a jarl, but my family had influence and power in their territory—greater than what you have here," she explained.

His eyes narrowed on her. "That is all based on a world that no longer exists to you, Nami. As it stands now, you're little more than a vagrant with good breeding," he growled.

She threw a cup at him for the insult. He batted it away as he stood.

"None of that matters now," he said firmly as he stalked closer. "You don't have a family or clan to assess me, and I made it perfectly clear that the only person I plan to prove myself to is you." He came to stand in front of her and leaned down, planting his hands on the table beside her as he leveled his hard gaze with hers. She held a hand to his chest to keep him at bay, in case he sought more affection she wasn't willing to give, but he didn't try to come any closer. "All that crap about your family being better, being particular about the men they brought in, you're just grasping for something that might scare me off or make me doubt my own intentions. All you've told me is that the decision is clearly yours to make, and no one else's. I've already made up my mind, I will have you, and I will keep you at my side for as long as I can. All I need to do is convince you to see things my way."

"You seem so sure of yourself," she huffed.

He smiled mischievously. "Because I know you want to give in," he said while he brought his hand up to graze his fingertips over her neck. She shivered as they teased beneath her ear and he chuckled. "And I know just the spots that will make your resolve soften."

She slapped his hand away and glared. "Seduction is not the same thing as proving your worth, Kid. What you've been suggesting is akin to a formal courtship, and if that's what you do intend, I mean to see you keep to some sort of proper behavior and tradition."

"Tsh, and what tradition would that be? You said it yourself, you have no kin for me to negotiate with. Shit, you don't even have a dowry to make this worth the cost of a proper fucking courtship." He sneered at the words with obvious contempt and she found that she wanted to smack him for it. "Unless you plan to wipe my debt away in recompense."

"I'm being serious, Kid."

"So am I," he argued. "But fine, you want me to go through with this farce, I'll do it, but…" He leaned in to press a kiss to her cheek before she could stop him, boxing her in with his arms so she couldn't pull away. "I said I would shower you with gold and trinkets, whatever you desire, but I also mean to kiss you every chance I get," he muttered against her cheek. "When all I need is your approval, then I have no reason to hold back." He pulled away to grin at her. "I mean to use every tool at my disposal to win you over."

She bit back a whimper as she frowned. She wasn't sure she would last if he followed through with that plan. Her cheek still tingled from his kiss, the skin uncomfortably cold without it.

"This path seems too easy," she muttered. Kid cocked his head to the side as he swept a hair behind her ear, urging her to explain what that meant. "I don't trust it."

"Do you trust me?" he asked quietly as his fingertips grazed down her neck.

She pursed her lips and fought back a shiver. "Yes," she admitted after a moment of thought.

Kid grinned. "Then that's all that should matter."

"Do you trust me?" she dared to ask as his fingers ran over her jaw to hook on her chin. His brows furrowed in confusion. "Do you trust me to take the course that's best for both of us? I've foreseen a storm on the horizon, Kid. I cannot blindly have faith that this will succeed, not until I know what dangers lie ahead."

He hummed in thought, his gaze searching her eyes before they fell to her lips. He stole a kiss, firm but gentle, just enough to make her feel like she would melt if he gave her another. He pulled back just enough to let her see the crinkling of his eyes as he smiled. "I trust you," he whispered, and then kissed her again.

She almost sank into him, but as she felt her stomach flip and twist with a strange urgency for more, she clung to her rational mind and shoved him back. He broke the kiss with a grin and laugh.

"One more," he urged.

"No," she snapped, pushing him back. "I know where that one more will lead now, so don't even try."

His smile grew mischievous as mirth shone in his eyes and he leaned back in. "Please."

"No," she said, firming her voice and glare in the hopes he would give up. He still managed to get close enough to brush his nose against hers and she shuddered at the scratch of his beard on her skin. "And you need to shave," she argued. Anything to deter him.

He pulled back laughing and scrubbed at the thickening scruff on his cheek. "I thought I'd keep it. I'm getting used to the chaffing."

"You can't stop scratching it," she said, giggling. "And it tickles."

His eyes heated and voice lowered. "That's why I want to keep it."

Her face warmed with a blush at the suggestiveness of his tone. He laughed again and stole another kiss, then straightened, finally retreating without having to be shoved off.

"Want to help me shave this off tomorrow?" he asked as he stretched his arms over his head. When he lowered his arms, his shoulders slouched and gave away his exhaustion.

Nami glanced to her chest of clothes. "I have a lot of work to do tomorrow. Clothes need washing. Sind needs more to wear than the rags he's in now. I have to fix Ingvild's doll…"

"The clothes will keep until washing day," he argued. "Gunda can help with the boy's wardrobe. And it ain't going to take that long to clean me up, you'll have plenty of time to fix that doll."

"I also need a bath," she huffed.

His grin grew impossibly wide. "Perfect, so do I. I'll join you."

She had nothing satisfyingly hard to throw at him within reach, so she let her hand fall to the knife in her belt. Kid understood the warning and backed up a step, his grin never wavering.

"I'm teasing," he insisted.

Her glare hardened a moment, and then she relaxed with a huff. Fighting off his advances was going to be exhausting.

"I'll pay you," he said, tempting her to give in to his wishes.

"Fine." She let out an exasperated sigh. "Two pieces of gold and five of silver is my starting fee for this chore."

"Instead of gold, can I pay you with something else?" He waggled his brow suggestively.

"No," she bit out. "Gold and silver, or you do it yourself."

He sighed begrudgingly, but a smile threatened to pull at his lips. He wasn't so put out by the fee as he seemed. "Tomorrow morning, then. After you've had a chance to bathe," he said as he turned for his room.

She waved him off as she slumped against her table, even more eager to fall into bed and sleep away all the troubles he was intent on causing her.

But before Kid reached his room, he spun back around and crossed to her once again. She straightened, fully expecting what he did next, but unable to stop him. He snatched her by the arm, dug his hand in her hair, and dragged her into another kiss, heated and urgent, then pushed himself away once she was breathless and desperate for more.

He retreated to his room with a cocky grin and bark of laughter as she blinked from the lustful stupor he left her in.

"Good night, Nami," he called as he vanished behind the curtain.

She slumped onto her table with a stifled whimper.

Only one thought broke through her haze—she wasn't strong enough to resist him.

A/N: I keep being mean to Nojiko. At least Hachi's being kind to her, but I do feel bad. She has a while yet before she escapes her suffering, in the mean time, she's the point of view that will give you some plot advancement in terms of Arlong.

As for Arlong - please remember that Kid and Nami are the main characters and focus of this fic, so Arlong is only going to sporadically appear when I need him to, at least until his arc. And I told all of you the arrangement of my arcs a few chapters ago, so please be patient while we get through the Enel arc. A lot of shit is going to happen in this arc, Arlong will slowly become more relevant, but, again, this whole fic is based around Kid and Nami and their growth as individuals and as a couple.

The next... I want to say three or four chapters are going to have a lot of fluff and sexual tension between them. They went through a lot of shit in England, and when Enel comes into the picture... It's not going to be pretty. There's a body count. I'll warn you now, there will be multiple deaths (not just my OCs), and a ton of angst and hardship for Kid and Nami. This short period is going to be their only real chance to explore their romantic and sexual attraction now that I've fully established it exists. So let them have their moment of happiness. It will be brief.

And yes, the Kid in my brain is cringing at the word 'courtship' but for this time period, it's really the only word that describes what he's doing and the status of their relationship. Oh, and you'll officially find out the social status of Nami's family (besides seers and priestesses) in this arc.

And I realized I never gave Ingrid's granddaughter a name, so I fixed that in this chapter because I can't keep calling her 'Ingrid's granddaughter'.

Thanks for all your reviews and kind words so far. They really help motivate me to put a lot of work and research into this fic. :)