Well, I don't have much to say this time around except to wish for you to have a Happy Easter, with many feels towards your egg hunts. Oh it will be my birthday soon, if any were wondering (though I doubt it.) Anyway, here's the continuation of chapter 4 Dreams and Promises. Also I would like to apologize for the last story's intro. I was having a bad week and I had gotten a very hateful message and so I'm sorry if was a little strong or harsh. Please don't hate me or at least be gentle. T-T
*Spoiler*
Oh almost forgot, The Flashback is the memory that Luffy requested from James. Anyways all rights of One Piece belong to Eiichiro Oda.
It was around evening before Luffy stopped rowing. He drew in the oars and laid them at the bottom of the boat. He turned to regard Makino, as she brought her boat up next to his. They both, then, broke out in sudden laughter. Coby and Nami looked at the two like they were crazy. But, they both joined the two in their cleansing laughter, for this laughter was one brought on by the thrill and adrenaline of combat, one that was sought to wash away all fears and relax the nerves of all those around.
Wow, I haven't laughed that hard since…Belle-Mère. Nami thought. The suddenly the image of the boy popped into her head again, this time he was laughing, but Nami couldn't make out his face. She shook her head, trying to shake the image loose or knock it out of her head. She then wiped her tears away and turned to the young man, who had saved her. She bowed her head, "I guess I should be thanking you for saving me, so thank you." Luffy grinned and chuckled, "Shishishi, you don't have to thank me Nami, I will always protect you." Nami smiled, "Well that's sweet of…" but her words died away as the boy's words hit her, Wait how the hell does he know my name?!
Nami scrambled backwards, almost falling out of the boat, "H-how the hell do you know my name?! I've never seen you before, so who are you?" Luffy looked hurt, he pouted, "What do you mean? Don't you remember who I am? We met as kids. Remember?" Nami shook her head. Luffy sighed, seeming crest-fallen, I guess his spell didn't work after all. He shrugged his shoulders to no one in particular, "Well, since you don't remember me, my name is Luffy, Monkey D. Luffy." He stuck his hand out towards Nami, motioning for her to shake it. She cautiously took his hand and shook it. It felt rough and worn, yet warm and comforting. Nami couldn't help but blush for a second, thinking about how cute Luffy looked. Luffy pointed towards Coby, "That's Coby. We rescued him from Alvida. He's going with us to the Marine Fort to become a Marine." Coby waved and blushed a bit.
Luffy then pointed towards Makino in the other boat, "And that is…" but Nami interrupted him. Nami had been awestruck when she realized who the woman was. "Oh my god, you're THE Makino, 'Never Miss' Makino, right?" Makino looked a little shocked and surprised, "Um, Yes. That's me. How do you know me or know of me, might I ask?" Nami looked like she wouldn't be able to contain her excitement any longer. "My mom, she used to tell me stories, when I was a kid, about your adventures together. She also told me how two were always competing in rifle challenges." Makino still looked confused, Luffy leaned over and whispered in her ear, "She's Belle-Mère daughter." She then turned, with a surprised look on her face, back towards Nami, "Oh my, I didn't realize you were Beli's little girl." Makino squealed. "I bet we have much to talk about." Nami nodded in agreement. Luffy motioned to Coby, "Hey man, help me get these sails up so we don't have to keep rowing, hehe." They both raised the sails as Makino and Nami swapped tales.
The group just finished dinner, made from what they had, around evening, just as the sun began to dip below the horizon. They all had become more comfortable and acquainted with one another over the meal they shared and through conversation. After some debate, Luffy volunteered to stay up as watch for the night. They furled the sails and dropped make-shift anchors, they then brought out blankets for bedding that night. Makino had packed two blankets, thinking Luffy would forget to pack one for himself. She turned to hand one to Luffy but saw he was already pulling one out of his pack. So, instead, she turned back to Coby and handed him the other blanket. Luffy, knowing he would meet up with Nami, had packed two blankets. (I know shocking. Luffy did something smart and planned something out. Hehe.) He turned to Nami and handed her one of the blankets. As she grabbed it, their hands touched, causing both of them to pull away and blush. Nami coughed nervously, "Thank you." Luffy rubbed the back of his head and chuckled, "Shishishi. You're welcome." Everyone made themselves comfortable, or trying to at least, for the long night ahead.
Later that night, as Luffy was starring up towards the stars, Nami began to toss and turn in her sleep, mumbling to herself all the while. Luffy, hearing Nami's discomfort, tore his eyes away from the stars and brought his gaze down to where Nami laid, sleeping. He could see her face clearly and the expression he saw there truly pained his heart. He could tell that she was in pain, he also knew where that pain came from. She was most likely having a nightmare about the most traumatic experience in her life, the death of her adoptive mother, Belle-Mère. It pained him because he knew there was nothing he could do to erase that pain from her memory. Oh, how he wished he could. Instead, he rose up and, slowly and carefully, made his way across the boat, towards Nami. When he reached her, he knelt down, as so to keep his balance.
From his position, he could see Nami clearly in the moonlight. Damn, she is so god damn beautiful. He noticed that her blanket had fallen away from her. So, he picked it up and placed it back over her and tucked her in. His face was now very close to Nami's. He could smell the bitter-sweet smell of tangerines. Before he could even register what he was doing, his hand had come up and was caressing her face. He leaned his head down and kissed her on her forehead. He didn't know why, but something had compelled him to do that. Unknown to Luffy, Nami was completely awake.
She had partially woken from her own tossing and turning. She fully woke up when she felt the boat move, as Luffy moved towards her. She didn't say anything, but was surprised when she felt him fix her blanket. She was about to thank him when he had leaned and kissed her forehead. Wait, did he just… She didn't get to finish the thought as he leaned down and whispered, "Nami, you may not remember me or any of the promises we made as kids, but I still remember. I promise you, I will always protect you. You will always be navigator and my queen."
He then pulled his head back, then he reached up, pulled off his straw hat and placed firmly, but gently, on Nami's head. Luffy had no idea that that simple action would cause a wave of memories to flood into Nami's mind right then. When Luffy's hat touched her head, the image of that boy appeared in her head again. He was wearing shorts, a white shirt with the word Anchor on it, flip-flops and a straw hat with big grin plastered on his face. The memories had been buried by Nami's grief and sorrow of losing her mother, long ago. She now remembered when she first met Luffy, as kids, ten years ago.
XXX Start Flashback XXX
Ten Years Ago
In the Party Shack, in Foosha Village, Garp and Luffy were in another heated argument, again. "I don't wanna go to no stinkin' village. Especially with you, you stupid old geezer!" A tick mark appeared on Garp's head, that comment had earned Luffy a lump on his head from his grandfather. "You damn brat! Is that any way to speak to your grandfather? Especially one who wants to spend time with you. I immediately rushed down here to make sure you were okay after I heard what had happened to you. To think, my grandson had gone and picked a fight with a group of mountain bandits. I was overjoyed." Garp sighed heavily, "But what do I find when I get here." He points towards the straw hat on Luffy's head, "Not only do I find out you fought the bandits because they were sassing that sad excuse of bastard pirate, Shanks. But you're also wearing his god damned hat. Sigh, I should have taken you with me sooner to become a Marine." Luffy scowled at Garp and put his hands over his hat, protectively. Garp scoffed, "Don't you be worrying about that hat boy. I ain't planning on taking the damn thing."
Garp sighed heavily again, putting his face into his hand. Makino, from behind the bar, laughed at her father's expense. Garp turned to look at her, a pleading look in his eyes. "Maki, what happened? Where'd I go wrong with him?" Makino smiled at him, "If I had to guess, it would have to be when you left him here on this island. Alone. With Shanks." Upon hearing this, Garp's decision was resolved. He turned back to Luffy with a determined glint in his eye. He puffed his chest out and glared down at Luffy. "Then that's it. It's been decided." A bead of sweat ran down Luffy's temple, realizing that something bad was about to happen. "Luffy, you're coming with me to Cocoyasi if you want to or not." And before Luffy could even react, Garp brought his fist down upon Luffy's head, which knocked him unconscious.
Makino sighed, "At least bring him back in one piece (Yes, pun intended), okay Dad." Garp chuckled, "Don't worry, he won't die with me around." Makino sweat-dropped at the irony of his statement. Garp picked Luffy up and slung him over his shoulder. As he walked towards the exit, he waved back towards Makino. He stopped and cocked his head, as if in deep thought. He turned around, "Um, I'll need to pack him some supplies. We'll be out to sea for about half a week and on the island for about a week. So we'll be gone about two weeks in total. Um," He rubbed the back of his head, "Could you help me pack his bag honey?" Makino giggled, "Sure Dad. His stuff is in the back. Follow me." Makino led him towards the back of the tavern and towards hers and Luffy's rooms.
XXX
In Cocoyasi Village, on a small hill overlooking the village, sat a small house and a large grove of tangerines. Both belonged to Belle-Mère, along with her two adopted daughters, Nojiko and Nami. Belle-Mère was talking on a transponder snail, in her kitchen, with Garp. "So, um, we'll be there soon. Might, um, take a couple of days or so, but, um, we'll be there." Belle-Mère giggled at Garp's flustered speech. He still couldn't talk to her properly ever since she beat him, humiliatingly, in hand-to-hand combat. "It's fine Muscles (A nickname she gave him), we're not going anywhere. So don't worry so much."
Garp mumbled something on the other end. Belle-Mère giggled softly again, she knew he hated the nickname 'Muscles', as much as she hated the nickname 'Beli'. "Well, yeah, see you soon." He said before he hung up. Belle-Mère sighed and hung up her end as well. As she did so, two little girls came running in: Nami, an eight year old with short, straight orange hair (Belle-Mère found this ironic due to the fruit they grew), chocolate eyes and a wide smile on her face. She had on a beige dress, with horizontal green stripes along the top and bottom edges of the dress and a single vertical stripe going down the middle, and beige sandals on her feet; and Nojiko, a ten year old with short, curly lavender hair, which was held back with a makeshift headband made from a piece of red cloth with a pattern embroidered on it, and dark-blue/grayish eyes. She wore teal green overalls over a blue t-shirt and red sandals.
They both were carrying a basket full of freshly picked tangerines. "Belle-Mère! Look, look." Both cheered. Belle-Mère couldn't help but smile widely at her two little girls. "Well. They're not going to prep themselves, are they?" Belle-Mère giggled. The girls returned the giggle and smiled back. All three walked over to the dining table and began to sort the tangerines. "Oh, girls," the two looked up at their mother, "an old friend is coming to visit in a few days. So I want you two on your best behavior. Ok?"
"Yes ma'am." Both girls said as they nodded. "Also," she shifted her gaze over Nami, "he's bringing his grandson with him. He's about your age Nami, so I'm putting him under you care while they're here. He's your responsibility young lady. Understand?" Nami looked like she had just been slapped. "But, Belle-Mère…" she whined. "Don't you 'but' me young lady. This is your punishment for beating up the Crowley boy. No arguing." Belle-Mère turned her attention back to her work. Nami crossed her arms and puffed her cheeks out, "But he was insulting you tangerines." A scowl came across Belle-Mère's face, as well as a few tick marks. This caused Nami to immediately shut up, straighten and get back to work, vigorously. They remained silent while they finished their work.
XXX
Luffy woke up a few hours later to find himself aboard a Marine Galleon. It took him a minute to remember what had happened at the bar. He busted out of the room and ran onto the forward deck. He saw Garp and charged straight for him. "Damn you, you stupid old geezer!" He slammed into Garp and began to pound away against the back of Garp's legs. Garp turned around and picked Luffy by the collar of his shirt. Garp had expected this. "What are you rambling on about, boy?" Luffy responded by swinging his arm back causing it to stretch, unnaturally, backwards. Garp stared in disbelief. He was stunned by what his grandson had just done. No?! Luffy's fist snapped back forwards, smashing into Garp's face.
The punch itself was weak, Luffy being so small and weak, but it did leave a slight bruise on Garp's cheek and gave him a small bloody nose. He stared at Luffy for a long time before spoke up, "Luffy, did you eat a devil fruit?" Luffy stared at his grandfather with curiosity and amazement, "Y-yes, I did. But how did you know that?" Garp responded by head-butting Luffy, "Idiot! Anyone with half a brain would know that what you just did wasn't natural. That would only lead one to think that you ate a devil fruit. Now tell me how it happened." So Luffy told him the story and explained how he had eaten the devil fruit. Garp laughed after he had finished, "Bwahahahahah. Only a simpleton like yourself could've done something as stupid as that." Luffy turned red from embarrassment and anger, "You're one to talk. I remember when you accidently ate a fork at that fancy restaurant for Makino's birthday." That comment earned Luffy another head-butt from Garp. "Back to issue at hand, there's nothing you can do about what has happened. This ship is already half a day out to sea and heading for Cocoyasi, so you might as well stop struggling and enjoy yourself."
Luffy's posture sagged and he sighed in defeat. Garp set him back down on the deck. "Well since you're awake, you can help out around the ship." Luffy huffed, "I told you, you stupid old geezer. I'm not becoming a Marine. "That earned Luffy a knot, from Garp, on his head. "Brat! It doesn't have anything to do with if you're a pirate or a marine. Any sailor needs to know their way around a ship." Luffy just huffed in defiance, knowing he wouldn't win this argument with his grandfather. He did as he was told to. Over the next three days, the marines taught Luffy everything he needed to know about running a ship, including a couple of tips about navigating. By noon they could see Cocoyasi on the horizon and they made port by sunset. Garp and Luffy stepped off onto the boarding plank, which was connecting the ship to the dock. "Hey Luffy." Luffy turned around to see a pack heading his way, straight for his head. He jumped back and caught it. He looked back at Garp quizzically, "What's this for?" Garp laughed, "What? We're gonna be staying here for a week, that's what that's for. I packed your bag back in Foosha. Be grateful you brat." He said jokingly. Luffy nodded his head agreement.
They walked off the dock to meet up with a woman and two little girls. The woman wore a button down plaid shirt with the top button unbuttoned, showing off a little of her bosom, a pair a skinny blue jeans and tan high-heeled sandals. She had long red hair tied back in a ponytail, with the sides of her head shaved short. He quickly scanned the girl with the lavender hair, but his eyes were directly drawn to the orange haired girl. He didn't know why his gaze was drawn to her, but a feeling in he felt in his chest, coming from his heart if he had to guess, urged him to go and talk with her. The two families stood there facing one another. Garp and Belle-Mère locked gazes and stared at the other for about four minutes before either spoke up.
"Muscles."
"Beli."
Both then stepped forward, bringing their hands forward and clasped them together. They smiled and laughed at other, "It's good to see you again old man." Garp chuckled, "Back at you, you brat." They then embraced and then separated. Garp looked down at Nami and Nojiko, "Ah. So these must be the two youngins that you rescued and, surprisingly, took in. Hahaha, I thought I'd never see the day when you would become a mother." The two girls hid, shyly, behind their mother. Belle-Mère giggled at this, "It's a quiet life, but I've learned to enjoy it. It wasn't what I thought it was going to be, but it has been an adventure in its own sense." She knelt down, wrapped her arms around her two girls and hugged them tightly, "And I wouldn't trade this life, or these two, for anything in the whole world." The girls giggled and hugged their mother back. Garp and Luffy couldn't help but join in their laughter.
Belle-Mère stood up and looked down at Luffy, "So, you must be Dragon's son. Right?" Garp visibly flinched at hearing the name of his son. Luffy looked at her quizzically, he cocked his head and raised his eyebrow. Belle-Mère gave Garp a look that said, He doesn't know? Garp shook his head in response. Belle-Mère sighed. "I meant you look like your dad, that's all. Well anyway nice to meet you, I'm Belle-Mère." She motion towards the two girls. "Go on you two, introduce yourselves properly." Nojiko stepped forward first, she bowed, "Hello, it's nice to meet you. I'm Nojiko." Nami was a little hesitant, but she stepped forward and followed her sister's lead, "Um, h-hello, I'm Nami." Garp chuckled silently at their formality. "Well thank you. It's nice to meet you too. My name is Garp, Vice-Admiral of the Marines." The two girls 'Ooo'd' at that. "And this is…" But Luffy interrupted him by stepping forward, "Hi, my name is Luffy," he stuck his hand out, "nice to meet you." The two girls shook his hand, he then stepped back. Garp spoke up, "Luffy is my grandson. I brought him along to visit." Garp heard Luffy snort and mumble something. He brought his fist down on Luffy's head. "Ow, what the hell old geezer?" Garp scowled, "That's for one, mumbling and two, interrupting me." Nami laughed at the comedic duo. Luffy, again, didn't know why, but he liked it when Nami laughed.
Belle-Mère laughed as well, "Okay you two. I think we show you to the house so you get settled." She then led the group, through the village and up to her house, so they get could rest for the day tomorrow. In the village, Garp bought three weeks' worth of food for the family and friends; Garp knowing what his and Luffy's appetites were like. When they arrived at Belle-Mère's house, Garp helped her prepare dinner. "What, why?!" Nami yelled. Belle- Mère had just finished explaining the living arrangements, after they had finished eating. Garp would take the couch in the living room, while Luffy would bunk with Nami. "Because young lady, I told you he would be your responsibility. This way, it will be easier for you to get him up in the morning and also because I said it's happening and that's final." Luffy stood off to the side, not quite sure what to do. Nami sighed in defeat, she turned towards Luffy, "Come on, I'll show you to my room." Luffy, still confused, just nodded in response.
When they entered Nami's room, Luffy noticed immediately that it was very plain. There was single bed with orange floral-patterned sheets, a brown dresser, a wardrobe cabinet and a medium sized desk with a chair. "Hmm?" Luffy said. Nami spun around and stared at him angrily, "What?!" Luffy took a step back, a little frightened. "Oh, nothing, nothing… it's just that I had expected your room to be, well um, a little more girly, I guess." Nami calmed down quickly, "Well sorry to disappoint you." Luffy shook his head and hands, "No, no don't be. I mean, now that I see it, it feels more you. That it fits you more than what I had in mind, if you understand what I mean." Nami did. She hadn't expected for Luffy to compliment her. A slight blush rose to her cheeks, "Oh, um, thank you."
She pointed to the floor, on the left side of her bed, "You can set up your bedding there." Luffy went over and set up his bed. He then began to undress. Nami shouted at him, "What do you think you're doing?" Luffy stopped and turned towards her, "Huh, what do you mean?" Nami was red, "Idiot. Don't you know you're not supposed to change in front of a girl and vice versa?" Luffy shook his head. Nami sighed. This is going to be a long week. "Fine, but we both have turn our backs when the other is changing, okay." Luffy shrugged nonchalantly. Nami sighed again and turned around, "Let me know when you finished." Luffy and Nami finished changing into their pajamas and crawled into their beds. Nami reached over to the lamp, "Night Luffy."
"Night."
The next morning, Belle- Mère opened Nami's door, "Nami! Wake up! Oh, also remember to wake Luffy up hon." Nami sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She stretched and yawned as she pulled herself out of bed. She knelt down and shook Luffy, "Luffy get up." Nothing. She said it a little louder, "Luffy, get up." Again, nothing. "Getup, you idiot." Luffy groaned a bit. Now Nami was frustrated, she stood up and crossed her arms, "Fine. You can just sleep there, while everyone eats breakfast." Luffy suddenly rose up and was looking around with a half focused kind of look, "Huh, food, did someone say something about food." Nami made a mental note what happened before she face palmed. She sighed, "It's morning Luffy. Get up and get dressed. We need to eat before we get to work." Luffy nodded. He yawned and scratched, but he stopped suddenly and frantically looked around. "My hat, where's my hat?" Nami, a little confused, sighed and pointed behind Luffy, "It's behind you." Luffy turned around and grabbed his hat. He sighed and laughed, "Shishishi, oh yeah. Thanks."
Belle-Mère had Luffy helping Nami and Nojiko pick and sort tangerines for the next two days. On third day, Belle-Mère sent Nami into town to drop off their current harvest at the shops and ports. It was their day off. With nothing to do, Luffy wandered into town, bored. While he was walking, he bumped into a man who made Luffy stop and stare. He wore a blue sea captain's uniform, but what caught Luffy's attention was the pinwheel stuck into his hat. "Wow, that's cool." Luffy shrugged and continued onwards. After a while, Luffy found himself in the middle of the market square. Hmm, I wonder if Nami is still around. A noise caught Luffy's attention, it sounded like a group of people shouting. He had nothing else to do, so he head towards the shouting. When he rounded a corner into a back alley, he came upon the source of the shouting.
It was a group of three boy. They were cornering a girl, who was on the ground. Luffy recognized the girl, it was Nami! He rushed forward, knocking the boy in front of him out of the way and stood protectively in front of Nami, shielding her. He yelled at the boys, "What the HELL do you think you are doing!?" He looked down at Nami and saw that she had been roughed up and was now crying. Something deep within Luffy snapped. Seeing Nami there crying made Luffy want to explode, it was like just the sight alone could send him over the edge.
The leader of the group, whom appeared to be the largest boy of the three, stepped forward. "Move out of the way, squirt. This doesn't involve…" But he didn't get to finish the threat as Luffy's fist smashed into his face and sent him flying backwards into a wall. Luffy took his hat off and placed it on Nami's head, "Keep this safe for me okay?" Nami nodded. He turned back to the other two boys and cracked his knuckles. He had a dangerous look in his eye, "You made Nami cry. Now, I'm gonna kick your ass."
After a few moments, Nami looked up and saw the three boys running away, crying and screaming. She looked to Luffy and saw he had a few bruises, a busted lip and a bloody nose. He knelt down and placed a hand on Nami's shoulder, "You okay?" Nami nodded. "Think you can stand?" She nodded hesitantly. She tried to stand, but she fell down when she put weight on her left ankle. "Ow!" Luffy looked down, "What is it?" Nami clutched her ankle, "It's my ankle." He nodded, then he crouched down and scooped Nami up in his arms, bridal style. Nami blushed deeply at this action and she tried to hide it by burring her face into Luffy's shoulder.
The man in the captain's uniform ran into the two as Luffy was walking out of the alley. "Nami, I saw and heard what happened from the Crowley boy. Are you ok?" Without raise her head, Nami nodded. The man looked down at Luffy and just nodded, both conversing through their concern for Nami. "You know where to go?" Luffy nodded and continued onto Nami's house. He walked through the door and placed Nami in one of the chairs. Both Garp, Nojiko and Belle-Mère were shocked by their children's appearances. Belle-Mère rushed over to Nami, "Oh my god what happened?" Luffy turned towards her, "There were some boys and they were hurting Nami. So, I beat them up and brought Nami back here." Garp laughed and Belle-Mère just shook her head.
Belle-Mère turned and hugged Luffy, "Thank you." Nojiko came running towards them, carrying the first aid kit. She wrapped Nami's ankle and cleaned her up, then she turned towards Luffy. Garp stared at him, "So, why did you beat those boys up instead of running?" Luffy looked back at him, a stern look in his eye, "Because they made Nami cry." Garp laughed at the simplistic answer he received and the chivalry his grandson had shown. Nami blushed again and quickly ran off to her room. Belle-Mère saw this and couldn't help but giggle. Luffy was confused, "Um, was it something I said?" Belle-Mère went and put the med kit away, then walked back over to Luffy.
"No, you did nothing wrong Luffy." He sighed in relief. "Luffy? May I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Do you like Nami?" Luffy grinned widely, "Of course. She's an awesome friend and a cool person. I might ask her to join my crew. Also, her punches hurt almost as much as grandpa's." Garp laughed and mumbled something about a 'Fist of Love', but Belle-Mère ignored him. "No, Luffy. I mean, do you like Nami?" Luffy cocked an eyebrow at her. Oh to be young. Belle-Mère laughed at Luffy's innocence, "Never mind. You should probably go and talk to Nami." Luffy shrugged and went off to Nami's room.
Belle-Mère stood up and turned around to face Garp. He raised an eyebrow at her, "I think your girl has a crush on my grandson." Belle-Mère giggled, "I was about ask the same about him." Garp laughed. "That boy is about as observant as a brick wall. The only way that boy would ever know a girl liked him was if she jumped him."
"Garp!" Belle-Mère yelled. Garp shrugged. "But Garp, really. How many boys do you know that would fall in love a girl they just met?" Garp laughed again, "Only three; me, my dad and my son. And now apparently my grandson. Hahaha, it must be some kind of family curse. But," Garp sighed, "if what you say is true and when that boys finally gets his feelings in order. He'll move hell and high water to be with her. Trust me, I know." They chuckled light heartily.
XXX
Nami sat on her bed, hugging her legs, with her head in her hands, crying. How could she be so stupid? Running away like that. How could she have been so pathetic? So weak, unable to defend herself. Why? Luffy opened the door and poked his head inside. "Nami?" Nami quickly wiped away her tears and tried to compose herself. "What is it?" She said it more harshly than she meant. She saw Luffy wince, "Oh, I-sorry. I didn't mean to bother you. I'll go." He said as he began to exit and close the door. "No!" Nami yelled as she jumped off her bed. She ran to the door, opened it, grabbed Luffy's shirt and pulled him inside. She then closed the door. She whispered, "Please, don't go." Her voice was barely audible.
She still clutched Luffy's shirt, her head slumped down. Luffy was concerned, to say the least. He didn't know what he was supposed to do. He knew his friend was in pain, he could see that clearly, and needed his help. So, he did the only thing that came to mind, he hugged her. Nami was caught off guard, but after a few moments, she relaxed and buried her face into his shoulder and cried. Neither knew how long they stood there, it seemed like forever, but Nami finally ceased her crying, "Um, thanks. You, um, can let go now Luffy." Nami was even more embarrassed than before. Luffy let go of Nami as they walked over to the bed. They slumped down and leaned against its side.
Luffy looked over at Nami, "Nami, why were you crying?" Nami just shook her head, "Luffy, I felt so weak. You stood up to those boys and beat them up for me and all I could do was cower in fear. I felt so useless." Her body shudder as she convulsed into another sob. She whipped her head towards Luffy and said accusingly, "I mean. Why did you help me? Do you want something? Is that it?" Luffy looked offended, "Nami. I helped you because you're my friend." Luffy's honesty cut Nami's heart like a knife. She felt guilty, embarrassed and honored all at once from Luffy's loyalty to his friends. "Thank you, again, Luffy." Luffy smiled, "No problem."
Then Nami realized she was wearing Luffy's hat. She pulled it off and handed it to Luffy, "Here, this is yours, isn't it?" Luffy took his hat and placed it back on his head. Then something occurred to Nami, "Hey Luffy."
"Yeah."
"Why did you place your hat on my head? Couldn't you have just given it to me?" Luffy grinned, "Because I knew you knew would keep it safe. I didn't want it getting damaged in the fight. It's my treasure, you know?" he said gripping his hat. Nami chuckled, "Treasure? How can that be treasure? Treasure is gold jewels." Luffy lifted the hat off his head and held it in his hand, "This is my treasure because it is a reminder of a promise to a friend. It is also the icon of my dream." Nami looked at him for a long moment.
"So, what is it?"
"Hmm?"
"Your dream. What is it?" Luffy smiled and began to re-tell the story of how he met Shanks and the promise they made. Nami gasped and awed throughout the tale. "And that's why this hat is so precious to me." Luffy looked up at Nami, "So, do you have a dream Nami?" Nami leaned back against the bed, "You'll think it's stupid." Luffy shook his head, "No I won't." She sighed, "Well, My dream is to be the first person to draw an entire map of the whole world." Luffy's eyes sparkled, "Wow! That must mean you're a really good navigator, huh Nami." She blushed, "Well I'm still learning," she then clenched her fist in the air, "but I plan to become the world's greatest navigator to achieve my goal."
The, an idea struck Luffy. "Hey Nami, why don't you join my crew? I need a navigator, why not you? Think about it. We'll travel all across the seas, seeing new places no one has ever seen before." Nami was shocked. "I don't know, I mean… with Belle-Mère being a Marine and all."
"So. So is my grandfather and that isn't stopping me." Nami sighed, "I… can I think about for a while?" Luffy nodded. He reached over and placed his hat back on Nami's head. "Here, you can where this until I have to leave. It'll help, it makes you feel stronger. So don't keep moping about, okay." She nodded. Luffy was right, it did make her feel stronger. But for a different reason than what Luffy implied. She felt stronger not because of the hat being there, but because it was Luffy's hat she was wearing.
The fact that it was Luffy's most prized possession and he trusted her with it, touched her deeply. She blushed a deep scarlet as a realization hit her. She tried to hide her face under the hat, "Thanks Luffy." Luffy grinned, "Sure. Well, we should probably go to bed now." Nami nodded in agreement. They went through routine of getting dressed and got into bed. Luffy turned off the light as they both laid down. "Hey Nami."
"Yeah Luffy."
"I just wanted to let you know that even if you don't join my crew, we'll always be friends. Okay."
"Of course Luffy. But thanks for letting me know."
"Oh also, no matter what, I promise I will always protect you." Nami blushed, "Oh, um, thanks." Nami found it hard to fall asleep. There was only one thing on her mind, she was in love with Luffy. She turned on her side and looked down at the Luffy. He face and part of his body was illuminated by the moonlight coming in through the window. She reached down and began to play with his hair. She quickly realized what she was doing and pulled her hand away. But Luffy stopped her when he spoke up, "Why did you stop?" Nami blushed, "Oh, um, because." Luffy pouted and he rolled over, "But it felt nice. I don't know why, but it feels nice to feel you near me." Nami blushed even deeper. Luffy looked in her direction, "Can we at least hold hands until we fall asleep?" Nami was so glad that Luffy couldn't see her properly because she swore she was redder than a tomato. She struggled in her mind with his request, part of her wanted to refuse while the other part wanted shout yes at the top of her lungs. She sighed and gave in, "Okay." So, they held each other's hands as they fell asleep.
In the morning, Belle-Mère went to go wake Nami up, but she stopped when she entered the room. She couldn't help but giggle at the sight. Nami was laying on her stomach, Luffy's hat still on her head, with her arm stretched down towards Luffy; who was laying on his back, his arm reaching up towards hers. Their hands were clasped together with their fingers intertwined. Belle-Mère crept over to Nami and shook her awake, "Nami, time to wake up sleeping beauty. Also, remember to wake up prince charming as well." As Nami groggily opened her eyes, she realized two things. One, she was still holding Luffy's hand and two, Belle-Mère was in the room. She quickly released Luffy's hand as a deep blush crawled onto her face. Belle-Mère laughed aloud as she left the room.
XXX
For the rest of the week, Nami could be seen around Luffy more and more as well as wearing his straw hat, flaunting it around like it was the fashion trend. The days flew by until the last day came upon the group. They were all gathered at the dock as the Marines were preparing the ship. Belle-Mère pulled Garp off to the side to chat. 'Okay Muscles. Why were you guys really here?" Garp chuckled, seeing as nothing could get past his old first lieutenant. "We received reports that Arlong and his ganged were spotted near here. I wanted to check on the reports myself and make sure you were okay." Belle-Mère laughed as she punched Garp in the shoulder, "Haha, you're getting soft old man." Garp grunted. The Belle-Mère hugged Garp, which caused him to cough nervously, "Thanks Garp. I'll be sure to keep the town on alert."
Off to the side where the kids were, the three were saying their goodbyes. Nojiko stepped forward and quickly hugged Luffy. Even though she knew her sister meant nothing by it, it still caused a pang of jealousy in Nami. "Bye Luffy. Hope you can come back sometime." Nojiko stepped back as Luffy turned to Nami. She stepped forward holding his hat, "So have you made up your mind yet Nami?" She stood up straight and looked at Luffy, "Yes. I would gladly join your crew Luffy, I mean Captain." She added with a smirk. Luffy's face broke out into a wide, joyous grin as he walked forward and wrapped Nami in a big bear hug, "Yahoo. I got my first crewmate." He said as he danced around goofily. Nami and Luffy both laughed as they broke off the hug. Nami placed Luffy's hat back on his head, "You be careful now. You hear me?" Luffy nodded.
Belle-Mère and the girls stood on the dock with Genzo, the old man in the blue captain's uniform, who came to see the Marines off. They all saw the ship off, Luffy was waving goodbye from the back of the ship. Nami grinned because she couldn't wait until Luffy returned.
XXX END Flashback XXX
Back on the small boat, Nami was remembering parts of that memory; Luffy, his promise, their deal, everything. Before Luffy could walk away, Nami sat up and grabbed Luffy's arm. Luffy turned around and looked at Nami. He could see she was starting to cry, so he knelt down in front of her. "Nami, what's wrong?" Nami threw herself forward and wrapped Luffy in a hug. Luffy accepted the hug as Nami cried into his shoulder. As he had done ten years ago, Luffy comforted Nami in her time of need, once again. The commotion had woken Makino up from her sleep. She raised her head and looked upon the seen in the other and sighed. She rested her head back down as she decided to let the two play out their scene. Oh to be young again. She thought as she went back to sleep.
After a long time, Nami stopped crying but she still clung to Luffy. "Nami?"
"I-I'm fine. Can I just hold you for a while, just to make sure this is real?" Luffy chuckled, "Nami, I can assure you that this is real. But at least let me get comfortable." Nami let go as Luffy scooted her over to take her place. He laid down next to her, resting his back against the back lip of the boat. Nami raised the blanket and covered both her and Luffy. She then snuggled next to Luffy and rested her head against his chest. "Luffy?"
"Hmm."
"I remember." Luffy raised an eyebrow. "I remembered when we first met, as kids." Luffy's spirit skyrocketed as he tried to calm himself down. "That's great!" But then he realized that meant Nami relived her past, "And bad. Sorry." Nami sighed, "It is okay Luffy." Luffy wrapped his arm around her and squeezed her tightly, "No, I have to apologize Nami. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I wasn't there to protect you or to comfort you." Nami shook her head and looked up at Luffy, "It's not your fault. You couldn't have done anything." Now Luffy shook his head, "Even still, when Garp told me three years ago what happened, I should have set sail immediately for Cocoyasi. But I didn't, I was ashamed. I was unable to protect you," Again.
Nami squeezed Luffy's hand, "Luffy, what's in the past is in the past, let it go. You're here now, that's all that matters." Luffy chuckled, "Okay. Well I guess we both have a lot to catch up on, huh." Luffy recounted his tales from over the last ten years. Meeting Dadan; his two adoptive brother, Ace and Sabo; Sabo's supposed death and rescue; Ace's departure; his training with Garp; his weird encounter with James, excluding the deal they made; and his departure from Foosha Village. Nami listened silently but intently. "And you know the rest, hehe."
"Wow, that was amazing Luffy."
"Yeah I guess so. So what about you?" Nami hesitated but eventually told Luffy of her tales of sneaking aboard pirate ships and stealing the treasure and about Arlong and the deal they made for Cocoyasi. Her tale was shorter but just as interesting to Luffy. When she finished, she looked back up at Luffy. He was looking off in the distant, "Nami?"
"Yeah Luffy."
"Oh, I, um err. Sigh. Umm, when we were younger, I felt weird around you. Not bad weird but good weird. No, what I mean is err, ugh. What I mean is…" Nami chuckled at Luffy's flustered speech, but she couldn't help but feel hopeful at where this conversation was going. "What I'm trying to say is, that umm, I finally understand those feelings and, um. What I'm saying is that I love you Nami and it's been like this for a long time now." Luffy steeled himself. Nami, on the other hand, felt her heart leap into her throat. The boy she had liked since they were kids, just told her he felt the same way. Luffy, thinking the silence as him saying something wrong, was about to apologize for bringing up the topic when he was interrupted.
Nami had pulled herself up, turned Luffy's head towards her and brought their lips together. All thoughts flew from Luffy's mind right then, as he returned Nami's kiss and caressed her face with his free hand. To both of them, the kiss seemed to last forever. Finally, they pulled away, somewhat out of breath. Luffy spoke up first, "Well I'll take that as a yes." Which he then quickly retorted, "I meant for you to be my girlfriend. No wait, I meant that you love me too." He hid his face with free hand. Nami laughed as she hugged Luffy, "Luffy, it is fine. I'd love to be your girlfriend." Luffy looked back at her and smiled. He returned Nami's hug as he rested his head upon hers. "Nami, I promise as long as you're near me, I will protect you." He said as he kissed her forehead. Nami giggled before they fell asleep.
The next morning, Makino woke up first. She stood up and stretched. She looked over at the other boat and saw the couple wrapped in one other's arms. She giggled. She went over and woke up the two, then she went over to wake Coby up. Nami had a deep blush the rest of the morning. Around noon, Shells Town came into view. Nami turned to Luffy, "So Captain. Why are we here?" He grinned, "Well, we're here for two things. Another crew mate and a map of the Grand Line." Nami raised an eyebrow, "And who is this mysterious person?" Luffy smiled, "Roronoa Zoro." Both Nami and Coby's jaws dropped. Coby stammered, "Y-you don't mean The Demon Pirate Hunter Zoro, do you?" Luffy nodded. Makino laughed as Nami shook her head and Coby continued to freak out. Luffy wasn't sure, but he could have sworn he heard laughter overhead.
To be continued…
