High And Dry
Disclaimer: don't own a thing
--
It left like a dull ache within her chest whenever she saw it, allowing her nothing but to watch in utter discontent as it happened on a nightly basis.
For she worked part-time, concentrating mostly upon attending classes towards a more meaningful future. This drop in income had sadly forced Luffy into seeking a second job; his presence within the tranquil apartment had diminished significantly. Only coming home when it was closing towards midnight, however his demeanor would be far from joyous and vibrant.
So as his darkened silhouette sauntered into the bedroom, Nami 's eyes peeked over the book that she had been feigning interest in. His booted footsteps clomped onto the carpet as his shoulders slumped in fatigue looking mildly surprised that she was still awake.
As if on cue a smile started to spread across his dirtied face, although it looked just as carefree and radiant as all the others. To the tangerine haired young woman, this smile held an underlying message. It told her that his day had been less than ideal, that within doubt, frustration and exhaustion were taking its toll upon him.
The book was lowered, forgotten as her heart wrenched in seeing him like this. However, knowing that it was wiser to stay silent … for the moment at least, her eyes strayed upon him once more as his work garments began to hit the floor. Heavy wooden boots releasing sore feet, as his shirt was thrown over head exposing tightened muscles.
Time and time again, they had broached the subject of her once again finding full-time employment. Yet, with each suggestion, he would flash the very same smile and would begin to urge her into continuing her studies.
'One of us has to be smart.' he would said time and time again.
A slight groan given by the bed managed to break her reverie, head tilting slightly towards her companion, young Nami could see his eyes locking upon the book resting upon her lap. His gaze flicked towards the young woman's silently asking if it was something that needed to be done immediately.
A ghost of a smile started to play across her face, hands giving the book a rough push on to the floor. Arms slunk around her waist, silently urging the woman's body back under the covers where she soon found her back being pressed against a solid frame, and a nose burrowing into tangerine locks with a weary sigh brushing passed her neck.
"Long day?" She asked finally, her voice but a whisper as if afraid to disturb him.
There was no immediate answer only the even sound of his breath followed by a grumble before too long however… "It's getting better," his grip tightening slightly around her waist.
At the moment she could not help but wonder when Luffy had become her past, present, and future.