AN: Okay, first I apologize it's been so long since my last update. Like I said before there have been...things. Lots of things. In fact I had meant to update before but last week my husband had an allergic reaction to something and I've spent the whole week taking care of him. :( There have been other thing as well but if I go into it I'll mostly just be bitching anyway so on to my second apology...I am so soooooo sorry but I've decided that all of my stories are going to have to go on hiatus for a while. :( I am really truly sorry to do that to you guys (I hate it when stories I am reading go on hiatus!) but there has been a lot of stuff and so I haven't written anything in like...almost two months. So please don't be angry! I promise that when I start updating again this will be the first one I update! And I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. :)

(Oh and also...I apologize because this chapter is a bit boring but there are things that need to happen so...blah. Sorry!)

Unsurprisingly they were both very quiet when they saw each other again.

Nami had sat in her room for at least an hour before even venturing back out, and Paulie, unused to days off and not really knowing what to do with himself, was in the living room, fixing a shelf that had been broken for ages.

She didn't say anything; instead she moved over to the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee though it had cooled considerably. Keeping her eyes fixed on the counter she spoke softly. "There's about 17,000 beri in cash, the rest can be taken into a gold exchange…Its easier to transport when it's all in beri."

The shipwright carefully fit the shelf back into place and began replacing the books that had been piled there before. "Ah…It probably would be." He agreed in a neutral voice.

He looked around, a bit nervously, realizing he had nothing to do now that the shelf was fixed. The awkwardness only lasted for a moment; Nami had taken her coffee and had retreated down the hall.

Feeling a bit depressed the blond sat on his couch, his eyes still idly searching for something he could do…there was nothing. The apartment wasn't really very big so there wasn't a lot of furniture…Finally deciding he'd take up a book he jumped when Nami's door opened again.

He stood and acted as though he was looking for something to read, using the opportunity to glance down the hall at his new house mate. Her face was no longer worried; in fact she looked kind of peaceful, as she went into the bathroom and shut the door. Belatedly he remembered her demand to shower earlier.

To his embarrassment he felt his cheeks heating up again and quickly shook his head, determined to rid himself of all thoughts of the petite woman and showering. Resolutely he picked out a book and tried reading it, though he realized not a single thing had sunk in.

The knock on his apartment door surprised him. He didn't really have visitors…ever…

Unconcerned, the shipwright moved through the kitchen and opened the door, his eyebrow twitching in annoyance as he glared at the two grinning people in the hallway.

"Shouldn't you two be working or something?" He grumbled but moved back to allow them in anyway. Kaku's eyes were bright as he ushered the beautiful woman in first. Kalifa, the smallest hint of an amused smile on her face, entered gracefully.

"Shouldn't you?" She said slyly.

He ignored her as he shut the kitchen door behind them. "Seriously though…" His voice reflected his curiosity. "Why are you here?" The secretary hardly even left her post, and never during the day.

Kaku's grin deepened.

"Well…Kalifa never got to meet your friend." He said with an innocence the other man didn't believe for a minute. His eye twitched. He couldn't believe they would…oh wait. Yes he could.

Grumbling he let them into the living room.

"It wasn't nice of you to leave me out Paulie." Kalifa said mock seriously. "I would really like to meet your…friend."

He ignored her tone, though the slightest blush tinged his cheeks at her suggestion. The laughter in their eyes increased as he flushed slowly. "But…since we don't know where she lives we…"

In mid sentence his face turned a bright red. If they found out Nami was here…! He swallowed as they both raised their eyebrows at him; but, unfortunately for him, the water from the shower shut off at that moment, drawing the two visitor's attention.

"Do you have a guest over Paulie?" Kalifa gave him an arched look.

"Was that the shower?" Kaku twisted slightly in his chair to look down the hall and then choked. Unable to resist Paulie also looked, aware that Kalifa was leaning past him to see as well.

Nami… 'That shameless woman!' …exited the bathroom in nothing but a large towel and turned towards her room. The sudden choking noise of the two males grabbed her attention though and she turned to look down the hallway back at them. "?"

For a second there was silence, and then the petite woman smiled cheerfully. "Hello again Kaku-san." Behind him he heard the lovely blond chuckle and then felt her haul on the back of his jacket, moving him back out of sight of the enticing woman. Kaku received the same treatment; though the poor carpenter's only comfort was that his co-worker also had a shocked look on his face.

As Kalifa was the only one left in her sight she smiled back at the younger woman. "Nami-san I presume?" Her voice was completely polite, with no hint of her enormous enjoyment evident.

Since he couldn't see her Paulie had no idea what she was thinking but he swallowed hard as he heard her answer. "Ah, that's me! And you are?"

"I'm Kalifa, Iceburg-san's assistant."

"Kalifa!" The blond man choked again when he realized he had spoken aloud. He couldn't believe even she would be evil enough to stand there and have a conversation while Nami was only in…in…

His whole face was burning now, though Kaku seemed to be recovering just fine. The secretary glanced at him briefly, her eyes dancing mischievously, but then she turned back to the copper haired woman in the hall. "Perhaps you'd join us when you're ready?"

Whatever action Nami must have done made the blond woman's eyes sparkle and her smile widen, but the young shipwright was relieved to hear her say, "Of course! Why don't I go get dressed?" And then the sound of her door shutting.

His relief was short lived; as both his visitor's leaned in to taunt him.

"So your friend is living here Paulie…?" The other man could hardly contain the glee in his voice and the shipwright he was teasing almost groaned; without a doubt it would become public knowledge at work and then there would be no break from it…

"Oh my Paulie," Kalifa leaned against him in a way she knew he hated. "I had no idea you two were…like that…"

Giving up entirely Paulie put his face into his hands and did groaned, which made his companions laugh. "It's not like that!" Though it was harder for them to hear with his face covered the shipwright didn't dare look up at them. "Nami's a…an old friend!" With relief he remembered the story he had told the others. "We've known each other a long time, and she's only visiting the city so I let her crash here!"

Well…that wasn't entirely true…He had no intention of letting her leave but…Like hell he would confess that to them! Swallowing hard again he looked up warily…not that hiding was going to help him any…

Both of them were still grinning widely, immensely enjoying his discomfort, which was made worst when Nami's door opened again and he heard her strolling down the hall.

This was…so bad…

Seeing one (technically two) of Paulie's co-workers had surprised her, she hadn't been expecting company. But, judging by Kaku-san's face, they hadn't been expecting her either…Kalifa-san on the other hand had gotten an almost maniacal look in her eyes, which Nami took to mean her companion was going to be teased forever. Pulling on a dark purple tank top to match her short white shorts the thief couldn't help but grin a bit maniacally herself.

'I knew I was going to get along with all of them…'

Firmly fixing a polite smile onto her face she exited her room and sauntered down the hallway at a slower pace…If she appeared too eager or too hesitant she would be included in that teasing after all…

Arriving, and being the center of attention, she smiled brightly at them. "Hello again Kaku-san." The thin shipwright smiled at her politely as well. "Nami-san…"

Moving gracefully she came closer to the couch so she could shake the other woman's hand. "Kalifa-san, it's nice to meet you."

The tall blond gave her a sweet smile. "Likewise…I apologize I was unable to meet you earlier, I had other duties to attend to."

She shrugged casually before moving towards the small kitchen. She didn't bother looking at Paulie since she knew he would be avoiding her eyes at all costs…but that didn't mean she couldn't talk to him. "Hey Paulie…where do you keep the coffee?"

"Second shelf above the oven…" As she had suspected his voice was filled with embarrassment. "Thank you!" She chirped. Keeping herself busy with the coffee machine Nami took small chances so she could see what was happening in the living room.

Kaku had leaned back in his chair, his extremely long legs stretched out before him. Kalifa was lounging comfortably on the couch, trading a significant look with the carpenter she had come there with.

Her own carpenter was looking down at the ground, his face all the way down his neck burning a bright red.

'So he's yours now is he?' The voice sounded far too smug.

'And here I thought you were going to leave me in peace…' She mock sighed in her mind, ignoring the question.

'Well your poor carpenter is going to have a heart attack and die of embarrassment if you don't do something.'

Her chocolate colored eyes flicked up again, taking in the three members of Galley-La. Without saying anything his co-workers were making him suffer, to the point that she took pity on him and decided to help out.

"So Kaku-san…Kalifa-san…Did you meet each other through Iceburg-san or were you together before working for him?" She kept her voice innocent as she leaned against the counter, waiting for the machine to percolate.

Her guess appeared to be right as it was their turn to blush vividly.

"Oh no…we're not…!" The rosy color in Kalifa's cheeks darkened and she carefully avoided looking at him. "Ah ha ha…Nami-san…" Kaku put one hand behind his head as he laughed nervously. "Our relationship is only friendship…"

"Ah, like me and Paulie then…?"

Both of them jerked slightly as they looked up at her.

Lifting one coppery eyebrow she smiled at them; a clear message that said, "You leave us alone and we'll leave you alone."

They got the hint.

Both of them blushed again but dropped it, choosing instead to agree with her. "Ah yes…Like that…"

Feeling slightly smug she looked at her companion. Paulie was looking at their two guests with a startled expression…obviously he hadn't ever caught the tension between them.

Blinking in surprise he lifted his eyes to her and she let a tiny smirk on her face. The shipwright looked even more amazed, shifting his head so he could look back and forth between the three of them.

The subject was dropped completely by unanimous vote.

"Would either of you like some coffee?" The petite woman asked instead.

"Ahem…Yes please Nami-san." The lovely blond gave her a grateful smile when she delivered the steaming cup. "Kaku-san? Paulie?" Both men shook their heads and with a shrug she poured her own cup and came to sit on the couch, settling herself comfortably between Paulie and Kaku-san on the small chair.

"Are you natives of Water Seven?"

Actually she didn't even know if he was a native of the city…but the more they discussed other things the better…if they were going to keep pretending they were "old friends" than she would need to know about him…not to mention create a better story of her own past…

The blond woman gently sipped her coffee, crossing her legs delicately as she did so. "Neither of us are actually…I came to this city a little over two years ago." She paused politely to allow him a chance to answer, which he took. "I came here about four years ago."

"Why did you choose this place?"

Kalifa shrugged slightly. "I didn't actually have anywhere else to go…I was lucky enough to arrive just when Iceburg-san needed a secretary, so I applied and got the job."

Kaku-san let out another little laugh. "Just about every shipwright in the world dreams of coming to Water Seven, Nami-san…Do you know much about its history?"

She barely paused to think…not knowing the history of a city wouldn't lead them to any suspicions. "I'm afraid not."

The lanky man smile widened and even Paulie cracked a small smile.

"This is a city for shipwrights and carpenters; here everything is based on skill…The more talented a person is the higher up on the "food chain," you could call it…People come from all over the world to have their ships built here because of all the skilled people who are gathered together." He paused and looked at the blond next to her for input but the younger man just shrugged for him to go on, so he did.

"The Galley-La company was founded by Iceburg-san…he took all the fighting factions of workers and united them, in effect he saved this entire city. It's why when the elections for mayor came up he won by a landslide…"

Kalifa chuckled slightly and added, "I believe the two other candidates put themselves out of the running when they heard he was asked to run."

The others also chuckled and Nami watched them, a lonely feeling in her chest that she tried to ignore…It was obvious he inspired a lot of confidence in his followers; and not just that…loyalty, trust, inspiration…Iceburg-san sounded like…well what she had thought of Gen-san when she was a very young girl...when he had been her hero...

Not liking where her thoughts were going the thief pushed them away and tuned back into Kaku's explanation.

"Anyway…everyone in the world became aware of his genius, which has only helped the company flourish more, which in turn is good for the city." He laughed slightly again. "That's why every shipwright and carpenter in the world wants to come here; most of us hero worship Iceburg-san."

Again he gave the younger shipwright a look, which became puzzled when the blond didn't speak up. Whatever he was avoiding, he wasn't doing a very good job of distracting the others so they wouldn't press him…

Keeping her voice light and interested Nami continued asking questions of them both, smoothly dodging any questions related to herself or how she knew Paulie.

After nearly an hour the two visitors, seemingly frustrated with her quick thinking and vague answers, gave up trying and decided to leave. Smiling serenely the copper haired woman thanked them for letting her "chat your ears off" and waved cheerfully while Paulie let them out.

When the front door was shut he turned and looked at her; a slightly awed confusion on his face. "How the hell did you do that…?"

Grinning widely she finally let all her pent up laughter out; clutching her stomach and leaning against the kitchen counter she panted for breath. The blond continued to stare at her, which in turn kept her giggles going, until finally he shook his head and muttered, "You're insane…"

Controlling herself she smirked at him smugly. Though she was itching to taunt him on his inability to defend himself from embarrassment she didn't. Instead she put her hands on the counter and placed her heart shaped face in them. "So what's for dinner?" She asked cheerfully.

Not a question he was prepared for apparently. "Dinner…?" He repeated blankly. She shook her head at him. "You were planning to eat again today weren't you? All I've had is coffee you know."

His eyes widened, he had probably forgotten that, and then he looked around the small kitchen guiltily. "I um…I don't think we have much…" His cheeks were tinged pink. "I think I'll have to go shopping or something…"

Nami chuckled quietly but let it slide. "Let's do it tomorrow, I'm hungry now."

Shrugging and still looking embarrassed he agreed. "Alright whatever…What do you want…?"

Later that night Nami was curled up in her bed, thinking back over the events of the day…The sudden permanence of her situation being at the top. It was…just so hard to believe! Twenty-four hours ago hadn't she been convincing herself there was no way she could remain here…?

And why the hell was she so comfortable with this arrangement?

'Are you actually wondering or is this one of those things that you'll bitch about knowing later?'

With a slight groan the petite woman rolled onto her stomach. 'There's no getting rid of you is there…?' The question was more a reflex than anything…voices in the head didn't usually vanish just because you wanted them too….But, back to the question…

'What? Are you saying you know? 'Cause if this is more of that 'you want him to take care of you' crap-'

'No, it's not.'

Well…since making itself known in her mind the voice had teased and annoyed her, this was the first time it sounded so serious…Even reminding her that Paulie was only trying to help had been more a gentle rebuke…

Pushing those thoughts aside, (though, being a voice in her head, it probably knew they were there anyway…) she answered.

'Alright then….Why am I so comfortable here?'

'You have spent years running; either away from villains, or back home to drop off more money…Since making your deal with Arlong you haven't taken a moment to really rest…'

Nami frowned slightly. Okay, well…that did make sense…

'You aren't uncomfortable because this isn't a vacation for you. Paulie might be an ass about it but you at least know that you're still progressing towards your goal…'

Interested she broke in quickly. 'You think Paulie is being an ass…?'

There was the equivalent of a snort of disgust. 'I'm not any happier that he would do something so….reckless…! In fact, I'm pretty pissed that he would hold us here by using himself as bait…'

She knew exactly what the voice was referring to…The thought that Paulie would follow her to Kokoyashi still gave her a chill.

'Anyway…The point is that you're still working, but you're also safe for the first time in a long time…'

It paused before adding in a weary tone, 'You don't want to hear it but deep down you are glad…because he wants to take care of you, not because you want him too. It's his feelings for you that make you so comfortable here.'

The voice fell silent and…she really didn't know what to think…

Breathing deeply the thief rolled back onto her back to stare at the ceiling, ignoring all anger and just focusing on finding the truth.

What was it…that she really wanted…?

The shipwright stared at his bedroom ceiling, his emotions a tangled mass inside of him. At least they had survived the first day…though if it was going to be the model of days to come he was going to have to seriously re-think how this would work…The blond shuddered at the thought of another day like today…

But…Nami was staying. Definitely and without a doubt, she was staying here.

He didn't know what Iceburg-san had said to her, (and he really wanted to know) but the sneaky woman had "agreed" to his terms…and then she had really given in…

What did it mean that he had to "put his life on the line" to get her to stop being so stubborn and just accept help…? At least he knew that she cared enough that she didn't want him to die.

Paulie smiled ironically at the thought. So she didn't want him dead, great. That wasn't a very big step in the direction of friendship…

Sighing he pushed that away, he'd have to deal with that more later…Instead his mind focused on the unexpected visit from his friends…The blond smirked. He had no idea how she had done it, (and he had been there!) but not only had Nami cut off any teasing before it started, she had effectively kept them completely in the dark regarding the…situation she and him were in…not to mention revealing Kaku and Kalifa's feelings for each other.

He chuckled a little grimly. Oh yes, there would be much retribution…

But back to the point…Nami was damn slick…She had manipulated the entire conversation to her liking…And she had gotten him to agree to letting her "work".

The smile was instantly wiped off his face.

He still couldn't believe he had agreed to it in the first place! When sitting in the hall together it had all sounded so reasonable; and besides, she would be right where he could see her…if anybody, pirate or otherwise, tried to hurt her he would severely kick their ass! Still…He really didn't like the idea of her taking any such risks…But, there was also the fact that he had been trying to keep her at a safe distance from danger, effectively placing her in the equivalent of an "ivory tower" and sealing her off…Which he had no right to do, no matter how much he worried for her safety…

Taking in a deep breath again and then letting it out slowly the carpenter looked up at his ceiling, feeling gloomy again. Nami was at least willing to try reassuring him, setting limitations on herself; considering how over protective he was being it was surprising the beautiful woman hadn't decked him…His lips quirked upwards again, and knowing her she might if he made her mad enough…

The blond chuckled to himself. Nami was so…fiery, so passionate, and demanding, with such a large presence he was constantly finding himself surprised at how petite she physically was.

And…again his smile faded as he became aware of where his thoughts had been going…if he didn't learn how to control himself, and soon, he would be in danger of tripping over the very important line between "love" and…whatever the hell he felt now. He wasn't even sure…adoration maybe? Something close to that.

Yeah, it would be extremely easy to fall in love with her…Which was not something he was prepared to deal with…yet.

The blond groaned. He had known her for less than two days! And before knowing her he hadn't even bothered with women; they were all shameless teases and that was that. But now there was Nami, (who was also a shameless tease) but had the ability to make him think of things he hadn't ever thought before.

And, God help him, he wanted to think about it.

Feeling frustrated Paulie forced himself to close his eyes; he had to sleep tonight. There was stuff he needed to do tomorrow, so sleep…he needed to sleep…

AN: Awww..poor confused Paulie. But he's so cute. :P Again, sorry it seems like not much is happening in this chapter, I have to set things up before I can start skipping ahead in time you know, so...blah, whatever. xD And I'm sorry this is the last update for a little while, I don't know how long it will be but I promise this will be the first story I update when I come back! And, of course, I am still and always will love all comments, questions, or suggestions, so please feel free to do so. :)