Obvious.

"Could you make it any less obvious?"

Nami turns in surprise to the sniper, who was sitting next to her on the lawn, his painting in progress.

"Pardon?", Nami asks and walks over to him.

Usopp does remain focused on his canvas, while he explains. "If you want to bone Zoro, just properly go for it instead of playing those games."

Nami stiffens and stares at her best friend. "Pardon?", she shrieks and finally Usopp does look at her.

"I mean, that is what you have trying to get with all this.", Usopp's hand with the brush move in the air over her approximate shape.

"I don't know what you are talking about.", she rumbles and turns to seat herself back to the lawn desk.

"Sure.", Usopp rolls his eyes and turns to the canvas. "I just pretend, you buying this green bikini and three golden necklaces around your waist just out of coincidence, followed by you inviting- no, forcing – our swordsman to go later on a shopping tour with him, while again under threat forcing him to put sunscreen on your back.", he grumbles under his none existing beard. He had no issues with Nami being sexually interest or invested but damn, he didn't like to talk around the bush. Well, he is allowed to do that, but others should really be more straightforward. Something he cherishes normally very much from his orange best friend.

He hears her grumbles again. "Fine, I want to…", she sighs annoyed. "You know…"

"I mean, how can a man be so immune to female bodies?"

At this Usopp chuckles. "Do I want to know how long this has been on your agenda?"

"Whiskey Peak.", she instantly says and sighs again. Now that Usopp had opened this bottle, she was more than willing to let out all her devastation.

Usopp turns impressed to her. "That has been over three years…"

"Yeah, dumbass.", she grumbles. "But the two years apart don't really count anyways…", she rumbles into her arms, she has positioned in front of her.

"Also, I don't think he is immune to bodies.", Usopp explains, moving his brush again over the canvas.

Nami's interest is spiked. "How so?", then she turns to her back and sighs. "I mean, have you seen how he did not take any of Hyori's advances? Or that marine girl, or that girl on… oh dear, the list is long."

Usopp just smiles. "He is not one to waste time on something that doesn't deserve it."

"Now you sound like Robin.", Nami grumbles and wants to throw something, somewhere.

"Well, you know Zoro the best after all and you still haven't figured that out.", Usopp moves the brush away and turns his head.

Nami looks over to his painting. It captures the floating market in front of them in abstract stroking pattern. Just stunning. Usopp is beyond talented. "Have I ever told you that you are probably the most talented person I have ever met?", she says and at this Usopp turns around with a huge grin on his lips.

"Not often enough."

Nami smiles and for a moment, she allows herself to enjoy the resting day they have. Just having left their latest island, they have stopped on this floating market, made for and by pirates. Hence, not the safest place. Explaining why Usopp, Chopper, Nami have remained on deck with their protector Zoro. The others have gone out for some necessary shopping.

And Nami catches the first one already returning, Robin smiles over to them on the pier and Nami is about to wave her hand, when she realizes that her focus lies on the upper deck. Her eyes follow and watches Zoro who puts down the ladder for Robin to get onto their ship.

"Thank you.", she smiles and steps on board, putting some of the bags down, while the swordsman approaches her.

"Got you a cleaning stone.", Robin takes out a couple of things from one of her bags, leading to a bright grin on the swordsman. "You are the best."

"We need your swords being at its best shape. Of course.", she smiles and then Nami's eye widen, Zoro leans in and leaves a small kiss on her temple, Robin chuckles and pats his chest in delight.

Wait.

"Oi Robin, why did you buy him that stuff?", Nami shouts over in a more annoyed tone than she intended. But her emotions were rarely in her control.

Zoro grumbles under his breath. "Because I don't have the money to afford it."

"How come, you always get your allowance.", Nami chirps in full awareness of where most of his money did go. Alcohol and her. Well, his debts on her.

"Which is barely enough… and I still have to payback a certain someone. As I get constantly reminded of.", Zoro says stern and turns to Robin again. "Want some tea? Just made one and thought about to meditate.", the archaeologist smiles in a nod and takes her hand with her additional hands down to her bedroom, while she follows the swordsman up informing him about the market.

Nami sits up. Tea?

"Usopp. How sure are we, that this is Zoro?"

"Well, he naps over the day, trains most of the time, you still want to jump him and he has three swords and earrings. Pretty sure, it is Zoro."

Nami nods along, before she turns in a growl to her friend. "Don't say that out loud!"

Usopp laughs. "What is your issue now?" Fully enjoying to mock his friend.

"Well…", she calms and pulls her legs onto the chair into a folded position. "Since when does he drink tea… and kisses Robin on the temple…", both concerned her, the latter was even worse for her heart.

Usopp though raises his brow. "You want to tell me, you have not known that those two have become… us?"

Nami looks stunned again at him. "Us?"

"Yeah, best friends. Inseparable. Always seeking each other out, talking and gossiping about anything. I think at this point they opened their own gang with Jinbei and Chopper.", he grins.

"How… when…", she has not noticed that at all.

"I think it all started after Skypiea, but after Enies Lobby it was pretty much set in stone. They have a similar kind of humour - to my demise - they are both not afraid of cruel actions, they started to embrace their inner demons, which I actually believe they share more about only with each other and that to my delight."

"Hold on. How do you know all of this?", Nami looks at her friend who could probably ramble on forever.

"We are friends?", now he looks confused at her. "We talk."

"You talk… with Zoro…and Robin?" Nami always believed that only Chopper had that delight or nowadays Jinbei and maybe at times Franky, but never into depth but only superficial rambling. And herself obviously.

"Nami, where have you been living?", he laughs and turns completely to her. "I might not be super close to Robin, but I like to hangout with Zoro at times, getting some training advice or talk about my adventures. Most of the time, you are probably busy drawing your maps, I assume.", he ends thoughtful.

"Okay, so Robin and Zoro are friends."

"Best friends.", Usopp smiles. "They even wrote letters to each other over the two years. I actually think, they had been the only ones in contact over that time."

"How…", but she raises her hand instead. "I get it, Dragon must have had some info about it and so on. Okay, so they are close and drink tea." Nonetheless, her mind does wonder how she has not seen that bond grow to the intensity it apparently has manifested itself into. Them spending most of their time with each other, willingly and probably – if she can believe Usopp's words – to full delight even.

"Drink tea, read books, bathing together. Oh, and their biggest tradition, their morning coffees. I met them once on the deck, sitting on pillows on the lawn, coffee between them and laughing about a morbid story Robin just read and I regret to this day, that I joined them after my night shift.", he physically shivers.

Nami quirks a small smile, before her cortex runs through his words again and one stucks out, piercing her into the stomach. "They bath together?"

"Oh yeah, most of the time again with their new group Jinbei and Chopper.", Usopp rubs his chin. "Actually, I don't think they bath alone together, it is only when either of the two joins or asks."

They bath together. At least not alone? "Usopp…", she whispers now. "How do you know that they are … you know…"

And Usopp looks at her. Lost. No, amused? No, confused? Surprised? Nami could not grab the exact emotion her friend displayed on his face; however, she knew exactly which emotion has been feeding on her right now.

"Nami, they are not in romantic love. They are just purely good friends.", but there is something else in Usopp's word that Nami seems to not grab. "How do you know?"

"Well…", Usopp scratches his back. "Didn't Robin talk with you about it?", he feels obviously uncomfortable and turns away to collect his open paint bottles to be stored in his box.

"No, I mean, what should she have talked about with me?"

"I don't want to talk for her, you should definitely ask her.", he says and he already feels Nami moving over to him, he shivers again, when he feels her presence next to his body. She squats down and whispers in growl. "You tell me now."

Why did she even start all this?

"Okay, calm down!", he turns to her just to regret that action as he is being met by her riled up aura. "Robin did try to… you know… get him for some fun."

Nami stares.

Usopp sighs and proceeds. "Well, after Skypiea, she thought she give it a go… she thought he was hot and well a mystery. But he declined."

"Pardon?", Nami asks for the third time in the last hour.

"He was not interested and offered her instead to get to know him… and since the mystery Zoro died down into the most familiar person in her life, her attraction dimmed down too."

"Okay…", Nami stretches in doubts. "And how again, do you know that?"

"Nami, you really need to talk more with people instead of just threating or bickering or using them.", Usopp sighs, gaining a strong punch. "Or hurting them", he adds, another punch.

"I asked them. Because honestly, the first time I noticed them I was just as confused and despite not feeling like there was a romantic sparkle, I wanted to be sure… and Robin told me, while Zoro just shrugged."

"This man.", Nami grumbles and puts her butt back on the lawn. "He even rejected Robin."

"Yeah, because he just doesn't work that way. He also never joined our –", and at this Usopp closes his mouth with his hands. "nothing.", damn. Why did he start that?

Nami raises a brow. "No, please go ahead. Your?", she says overly sweet.

"You know, we man have some…. You know… so sometimes, we meet in the craft room with some of Sanji's magazines and… you know… talk about…woman."

"Boobs and bodies and sex.", Nami clarifies and glares. "And just to be clear, not a man thing. As you just noted very clearly, I am craving the same thing."

"Yeah, well. You crave Zoro."

"Yes. His bloody muscular body over me, his hands touching me everywhere, his lips on mine and all the skin…", she grumbles and humpfs to herself. "You know all that stuff."

"And I really didn't need to know that.", Usopp says starring at her with wide eyes.

"So, he is not even joining those talks.", she concludes on his prior words.

"Once, he did and decided it is a waste of time and left."

"Did he share something…?"

"Nami, talk to him. Really.", Usopp sighs and stands before she can threat him again.

"How do I get him then?"

Usopp looks down at her and just smiles. "Nami, don't worry too much.", he offers his hand to her. She takes it and let him pull her up.

She helps him putting his stuff bag, then she throws a light long Haori over herself and walks up with him to the galley. As they approach, she already hear the laughers.

His laugher. Since they have reunited, she has not heard it very often. Zoro has become a lot more stoic, collected… matured.

When they walk in, Nami is not prepared for the sight. A laughing Robin sitting across a bright laughing Zoro, full and deep, his hand on his stomach and in the middle, on the table a dancing Chopper with some cotton candy that he arranged around himself to resemble Franky. Nami's eyes focus the swordsman. All his features, all his sound she has not heard of him in a while. Knowing and seeing now though, that this sight probably has been presented to those two all the time, squeezes her chest.

When did distance find space between them?

It has been him and her for so long. His trust in her skills, hers in his protection. They were the team of this crew navigating their captain closer to the goal. Her keeping his emotional drive in check, while he was in charge of all the heavier moral duties. And still, along the way they have obviously lost them. Zoro and Nami.

It takes a strong nudge from Usopp on her side to take her back. Out of her thoughts back into the laugher filled galley. The dancing Chopper, the clapping Robin and the heart-warmed voice of the swordsman, with his hand on his chest.

"Chopper, you look just like him.", Usopp laughs and seats himself next to Zoro, who slowly rides down from his amusement.

"We should definitely get a camera for some proper pictures to be taken.", Robin commented in a smile now and looks at the navigator, who still traces her thoughts to when Zoro has become Robin's instead of hers.

"What have you been up to?"

"Nothing… just read some newspapers and talked with Usopp.", she sits down next to Robin and notices instantly that Zoro already poured two new cups of tea, which he places in front of Usopp and Nami.

"Thanks", she says and her eyes want to follow his retrieving hand, but she collects herself again.

As if she even could pull him physically back to her heart – where he belongs.

"How is the market?", the question throws her mind off again. Nami knows that she holds a very possessive nature, as she has presented several times when it comes to her stuff and more importantly money. Never has it quite transferred to people though.

Her eyes glue to the tea.

A person cannot be owned, should not be owned. She out of all people knows that. She sighs to herself.

And yet, her heart wanted to engrave herself onto the swordsman's chest.

Property of Nami

How ridiculous. Her ears barely register Robin's words about the market, the description and the apparent danger, which she probably solely shared to tease the sniper.

Just when Robin leans on her elbow next to her, Nami notices that her friend is directing her attention to her.

When she looks up, she is met by Robin's smile. Warm and soft. Almost… apologetic?

"I heard you will go with Zoro?", it was strange hearing her saying his name so casually. So familiar. Not the normal description of his position but presenting Nami once more how their relationship has shifted into something deeper than forced-nakamas.

"Oh yeah, I wanted to do some shopping and thought he is the best bodyguard.", Nami finds her own words laughable. As if she has not changed one ounce since all the years together, but still finds only value in spending her precious money and exploiting the skills of the ones around her.

"I do not even take that as an offence.", Usopp says in relief and takes a sip of the tea. Nami appreciates his attempt to draw attention away from her. He knows her best after all. He probably has seen her mind spiraling into thoughts that just led to nothing.

"Ah, delicious.", he announces in a long sigh.

"A special herb that grows above graves.", Robin explains in a grin, Zoro already laughing as Usopp's face turns white.

"Grrr-aave?", he repeats in a broken voice. Zoro claps on his back. "Don't worry, they made sure the Zombie eggs are removed."

And now he shrieks loudly, while the other two laugh and even Nami had to giggle. The sense of their relationship hitting her straight into the face. Of course, the malicious and surely partially sadistic archaeologist would find comfort in the stoic, cruel monster their swordsman can be.

"Ah! You two! You are the worst.", Usopp shouts and tries to spit out the tea which already settled in his stomach.

"Aw, you love us.", Robin chuckles next to her in a grace that Nami always finds astonishing. The more time she has been with Robin by her side, the more in awe she has grown. The smart and calm nature of their archaeologist only transpired to how much more ethereal beauty Nami unveiled in her being. In everything she does lays a layer of grace and warmth.

It resembles Zoro so much.

Despite Nami's mind taking way longer to grab those obvious characteristics on their swordsman. Zoro's grace was less radiant, it was covered in the mask of the monster one first encounters when seeing his rough nature. His piercing eyes staring right beyond anyone's exterior.

But as Nami takes her own sip, she wonders how she has missed all that what lies behind Zoro's mask for so long. His warm care for each and every one of them. Even the cook. His internal endurance existing and growing only to assure their safety. His smooth movements from the way he walked to the way he handled anything. The way she has seen him picking her Mikan's for her, the way he would hold Chopper, the way his heart laughs the loudest when Luffy strangles him in another hug. He is soft. So soft that it is crazy that she actually believed for a time that his heart is stone cold. Meanwhile, he would wear his devilish smile to the ones that dare to harm anyone in a way his morals growl loudly against.

It is so obvious how well this once broken demon child and the tamed monster fit together. Nami can imagine how their words naturally flow between them when they share their space together. They fit so well.

Nami lets her eyes linger over the two, just sitting there in full harmony.

Why was this only a friendship?

How had Zoro been able to reject this woman that clearly fully understands his heart?

"What have you guys been talking about?", Robin inquires with an intentional smile, bringing Nami back. "You know, just the common things…", she starts and tries to remember other topics than the recent ones as well as trying to pull her mind out of the emotional spiral it kept falling into.

"Sexual relief.", Usopp comments then in calmness before taking another sip, just to remember again the story of the herbs and strangling his throat in the attempt to stop the fluid to flow down.

Nami tenses, how can he easily say that in front of them? Also, willing exposing her. So much about him protecting her.

"Sexual relief, interesting.", Robin grins deeper, her devil showing itself in her eyes. "With each other?"

"Oi! Robin, you know my heart and body belongs to Kaya.", Usopp grumbles over his own exhausting coughs, while Zoro's hand softly pats his back in an amused smile.

"Even during the meetings?", Robin grins further. And Nami looks stunned. How does she know?

"That. Aa! You are so nosy!", Usopp complains in a red face, waving Zoro's hand off, finally breathing normally.

That is their Robin, not one thing not of her knowledge and Nami feels her mind finding some relaxation. Allowing her to just enjoy this little moment, while she lets her eyes travel back to the one she has been so desperately wanting, just to catch his movements. He removes himself from the bench and walks around the table right to her, stopping behind Robin.

"Oi, Nami do we want to move?"

Nami stares at Zoro who looks down at her in a questionable look.

How is he able to leave a conversation that most people would consider juicy…?

She opens her mouth but is no word leaves her lips as she watches Zoro's hand touching Robin's head. "See you later.", he says nonchalant and as on cue, Robin turns up to him and let his lips meet her temple again. "I will leave your stuff in your locker.", she smiles.

"You are the best.", he grins and ruffles through Chopper's fur over the table, who grins up at him with full expectations.

"Do we bath when you come back?", Chopper just comments in between his munches.

"Sure.", Zoro smiles and nods along his word, when his attention turns to the last member remaining on ship with the others.

"Oh Zoro, may you get me some stuff too.", Usopp jumps up and passes a list. Zoro looks down at it in a nod.

"Sure. But pass the money to Nami, it's safer with her.", as he scans the list and tugs it into his pockets. Usopp turns to Nami to pass his bellis but she shakes her head. "Don't worry. That is on me.", she smiles and finally stands as well.

"Let's go."


Zoro and Nami walk next to each other over the pier in silence. Nami realises that the plan she had in mind when asking – or as Usopp phrased it, forced – the swordsman to go with her had lost their meaning and a different priority has grown.

"You and Robin have grown really close.", she says then, finally letting off some of the tension her body has been holding since she had finally grabbed the depth of their relationship. Her eyes look over to him, his eye is glued on the market in front of them.

"Hn.", he says and her heart aches. "We have a lot in common.", he adds then. As curt as he possibly could be.

Nami nods weakly, almost defeated.

"Noticed that.", she mumbles and almost wishes to find a reason to be shouting at him, just to have him open his mouth. Talk to her.

No, he wouldn't talk. Their bickers were never really conversations but their way for letting steam off and Zoro always served and provided the right amount of frustration while still holding respect to not cross the lines that could actually harm their relationship. Because Zoro's nature was to protect above all.

Captured in her mind once again, it takes her split second to notice the swordsman almost wanders off their path.

"Oi! This way! I studied the map of the city.", she says without any spice or anger, just grabs his waistband, not his usual green haramaki but a dark green band which held his swords and his wide dark red yukata together.

Nonetheless, Nami awaits the complaint to her obvious guidance due to his lack of orientation. But there is none. Not even a grunt. He just follows her without any sign of annoyance.

However, not the first time.

Over the last few weeks Nami has noticed that his demeanour has changed. Mostly related to his normal aggressive outburst to either the cook or her. It dimmed down to a grunt or silent nod towards her. While the ignorance he presented Sanji with did not completely take away his body's tension showing his full attempt to calm his nerves and not jump again on another sexist behaviour or statement the cook keeps throwing around himself in believe that this is called 'gentleman' behaviour while outrageously discriminating every female for solely on their body.

Nevertheless, Zoro has picked less verbal and physical fights with them. First Nami condemned it on his meditation session that he had invested more in after the two years of separation. Merely, to come to the realisation that it represents more of his true growth.

Nami stops on her tracks as another epiphany runs through her. His diminishing anger collided with the presence of Robin in his life. There is no doubt that their closeness participates in his lack of need to explode towards the other.

"Nami, you okay?", his voice right next to her in small concern that he does not even try to hide.

Her eyes look up to him, she just shakes her head in a smile and says, "She has a good influence on you."

Her legs move again towards the crafting shop where they would hopefully find all items on Usopp's list.

Zoro watches after her, slowly moving himself again with her pull on his band. He has noticed already in the galley that her mind has been somewhere else. He assumed it might be the weather but when he saw her looking at Robin in a way of sad love, he knew it was something else. Further proven by her strange words on right now.

Robin has not mentioned any dispute or conflict, which she would definitely had shared with him and even if not verbally, he would have caught her heavy feelings over such thing. But nothing gave him reason to believe that whatever is troubling their navigator originates on a direct exchange with anyone aside her own mind.

"Nami.", his fingers softly catch the wrist around his band, feeling her hand twitch under his touch. "What is actually on your mind?", he says to her and tries to catch a better read on her.

His voice does not sound rough or harsh, but warm. Almost like a blanket he offers her.

"I don't know. I kind of didn't realise how close you are… and I feel…", she mumbles on, her voice growing more silent in the lack of finding the right way to express herself. Everything in her desires to let all this randomness out, to have him mending all those pieces and along the way finding him finally right next to her, where she needs him to be so desperately.

"Isn't that normal? I mean, you and Usopp-", he starts in soft motion, his eye still holding onto her face, which just seems so lost.

"Usopp was not interested in me.", she states straight forward and whips her face to him, staring into his widen eye. He definitely does not expect that.

"I mean…", she wants to clarify and almost feels guilty for her emotional outburst.

"Robin was not interest in me.", he speaks up to her, his hand still on hers over his band. "She wanted my body. And sorry, but that is something I have no interest to invest.", he had not considered that this will be something he ever needed to explain.

"But Robin is hot!", and at that he chuckles despite the tension that has grown between them. Despite Nami still staring at him in confusion. He actually chuckles, almost laughs.

Why…? What is this man?

"Sorry, but… as beautiful she is, my mind really does not think of her as hot or desirable.", he finds it odd to connect those words in relation to Robin. His best friend that surely holds a lot of his love but definitely does not provoke any sexual desire or need in him.

How is that even possible?

"Have you looked at her?", Nami sounds almost angry and her pull on his band just proves that emotion being definitely the one she has chosen to work with right now. "If not even a woman like her can make you gawk and fall over, how…"

how could she.

Her voice dies and so does her emotion. Her grip loosens, her fingers slip away, and so does she, just to finally notice the hand on her wrist.

"Nami.", he tries again. He still does not understand what all of this means and a small voice supply that she probably does neither, but he hates to see her in discomfort. Particularly if he is the one that caused and potentially – hopefully – can divert it.

"Is it your stupid swordsman code?", she whispers.

He looks stunned. Is she really angry that he does not desire Robin?

Her out of all people?

"Nami, listen.", he turns her with his grip on the wrist, her face just slowly giving in to his request as it turns to him.

"Robin is my friend. I would not even want to think about her that way, it would get in the way I need and want her to be in my life.", that does seem to reach something in Nami's mind as she nods weakly to his words.

"That does not mean that I don't find…", okay how is he going to express this? His hand scratches over his head in obvious discomfort to expose that particular sensitive topic about the one that pretty much is the answer to all of it.

"There are people I admittingly find desirable. However…", his cheeks burn and his eye troubles to stay on the navigator. "It is not triggered by an appearance alone, but it needs to be more in synch with other parts my mind desires."

He hopes it diminishes her anger, though when he does turn his eye on her again, he is met with just that. Anger. Her free hand slams against his chest.

"How the hell can anyone ever meet those conditions if not even your best friend, the one personality you love so much already, can hit it. Despite her also being damn hell attractive.", her desperate feelings hammering harsh against the swordsman's chest, who just let her do all that.

How could she even stand a chance, when even Robin is denied by him. The one he already holds so close to his heart.

"Who she is, is not what I need.", his deep voice in full tranquility runs over body. Her eyes raising and meeting his stoic one.

"How can you not understand that…", for a moment Nami wants to believe that he mocks her, but she hears his trying almost desperate tone and her heart softens. His other hand reaches for the fist resting against his chest.

"Do you desire Usopp?"

"Of course not!", she definitely shouted that into his face. "He is…" and slowly her mind provides the comprehension of his prior words. "He is not what I need.", she whispers, her eyes linger on his hand over her wrist right on his chest.

"Zoro…", she eases her tight grip and her fingers move over the rim of his yukata, she wants to ask while fearing the answer.

"I don't need a calm ocean but a burning hurricane."

Her eyes widen again.

His words hit her once again. An answer to her unspoken question that took full control of her heart. And if she would have looked up, she would have seen how much of a struggle this was for him, his cheeks tinted and his eye focusing just as her anything but the one person they actually want to look at.

"So, don't get things messed up.", he grumbles now and pushes himself away, he needs distance, this was not good for his internal flare right below his chest. He still had not fully find a way to cope with whatever his heart does when it comes to her.

"She is not the one that thrives me. ", that is you. "She just dwells with me and takes me as who I am. While supporting me.", but…

"I need someone who keeps asking more of me.", that is his nature. Has always been. His entire ambition to become a swordsman arises from his need to work for something, aim for a goal. His willingness to follow Luffy grew from the simple awareness that this man, holding an aim just as high as his own, can make him stronger, can move him forward. Following Luffy allowed him to step closer to his goal.

Nami does understand his words. The core of Zoro was his own motivation to just become better, to grow, to surpass limits.

She looks at the man in front of her. The calm demeanour, his soft words… if she would not know and see the swords, the scar and his hair, she would doubt that this is Zoro.

"You changed.", she whispers finally.

"Well, I hope I did.", and he nods his head for them to move again.

Nami watches him shortly before pulling him after her again when she turns the streets.

"What kind of experiences have caused that change?", she asks and this time not with an extra tone but honest interest.

For a moment, she believes that the Zoro she started this journey with would come up and grumble and deny her an answer. But once again, she is reminded about his growth. He tells her without any hesitation about his time on Kuraigana Island with Mihawk and Perona.

Nami listens, takes it in and her questions don't stop. And in between his words, she would laugh or chuckles over moments of his loss or just his natural sarcasm over situations. And then she realises that at least that hasn't changed. Them being light and honest with each other. Them dwelling in comfort.

She does not even stop him or rather proceeds the questions once they enter the shop and Zoro looks over the list, their concentration focuses over time more on getting Usopp's things and they let their conversation die for a moment. When she checks the basket again, Zoro throws another little piece in. A metallic stone. She looks up in surprise. It was not on the list.

"He mentioned that he had been looking for this. I think, he wasn't sure if they have it and didn't write it down.", Zoro explains non chalant and Nami feels her body warm. Every part of her fully heated by this little thought. That how he always does it. Doing the most smallest thing that holds so much meaning because it shows so clearly how much he cares, listens and knows every single one of them.

"He will be happy.", she smiles and puts it on the counter to pay for it all. As she wants to take the bags, she sees him grabbing over her. "No", she says. "You need your hands for your sword, let me hold it."

He raises a brow. "So, now I have to protect you?"

She smiles. That is something she appreciates the most about him. Despite him being always for everyone, including Luffy, the protector he never underestimates them. He never diminishes their strength or power. He always let them fight their fights and relies on them. "It is quicker and more efficient with you than me.", she walks out with the bag in her hand, and she makes sure that Zoro follows. When she does look over her shoulder she sees him already on her heel with a smile on his lips.

Thump.

Her heart had been doing that a lot around him. Since pretty much forever. But just recently it had become somehow more of a constant annoyance, she can no longer ignore or pretend holds no deeper meaning. Pretending that it is only his appeal that actually is desired by her.

"Which store did you aim for now?", Zoro asks as he steps to her, finding his hand hold her wrist that lifts the bag.

"Anywhere where we can grab some clothes.", she smiles with coloured cheeks as his little gestures does affect her. He nods and follows her move, while turning their conversation around. Asking her about her past two years.

Despite them, occasionally having shared bits and pieces of their stories during their celebrations, it was mostly in the intoxicated state and thus, details were erased, and emotions were hidden. All that, she is willing to share with him now. Her struggles to learn, which surprised the swordsman as he held her mind highly and probably actually doubted that there was anything her mind couldn't crack. She tells him about the loneliness she felt and her worries about them.

And he listens. To all of it.

He had always listened well. Despite what others might believe, Nami knows that he is attentive. As he has just proven again to her when picking out that little metal stone for Usopp.

Attentive to all of them.

In the midst of their conversation, they reach the shop and Zoro surprises her once again. Instead of staying outside and waiting for her, he goes in and follows her from rack to rack, offering himself as holder, which this time she does make use of. And she notes quickly that the reasons he follows, was to listen to her stories even more. He kept asking the most random questions, making her laugh or even rethinking events. It feels nice. Right down her stomach. Full in warmth.

And when she steps out in the first outfit to check herself in the bigger mirror, she sees his eye on her in it. He scans her. Not in a lustful manner, but in a thoughtful one.

"What do you think?", she asks and she meets his eye in the mirror. A surprise on his face. "Yeah, you might not believe it, but I actually think you have quite a good fashion taste, despite your rather simple wardrobe. Which is by the way the reason the mountain of clothes next to you is for you to try on.", she turns in a grin to him.

"I can't afford-"

Nami smiles. "Forget about that." She had decided already prior that she wanted to spend it on him. Even though, prior her plan was to let that be her payment instead of decreasing his – actually non existing – debts.

"Are you sure, you are Nami? First you pay for Usopp and now for me?", he raises a brow and Nami catches his actual doubtful scan over her. She slaps him in pretentious hurt about this unfair assumption, just to chuckle a second later. "Well, not just you changed, right?", she winks and steps closer to him. "So?"

"I don't think that pattern works for you.", he says straight forward and Nami turns to him. That was still the Zoro she was and is familiar with. Straight forward, factual and to the point.

"Try the other one with the dots on.", he adds. So, he had noticed the things she picked but not that there had been an entire part just collected for him.

She smiles. So attentive to and for others… "Okay, you go in and get some on as well."

And she puts the romper on he asked for. She smiles and steps out just to be meet by a bare chest. He had put on the dark blue balloon pants and a similar tinted vest; she has picked out.

And damn. She had not thought of them together. She had picked a tank top but this… this was better.

He looks at her, hands in the pockets and awaiting her verdict.

"You look…", she gulps and turns over his chest up to his neck. This man was just scars and muscles. And both really burned her inside. Her eyes meet his. "Hot.", she whispers.

And his face switches. Surprised and then… his cheeks turn dark.

Did he just blush?

He turns his head to the side and scratches his head. "Okay. Good. And yeah, this one looks better on you.", he whispers and is about to go back, when Nami gets hold of his wrist, pulls his arm down and his head turns to her. Her eyes are wandering over his face and she smiles warmly. "Cute."

He pulls away and walks into the cabin, he grunting noise escaping his lips. And she knows he is actually liking it.

Nami smiles after him. She has never seen him like this. It is just deeply adorable.

Yet again, she also has never really expressed the effect the swordsman has on her.

Hot or sexy were words, she only allowed herself to think but never say. But, if this is the reaction to it, she might need to change that as well.

She turns around too and after a couple of those exchanges, they collected a decent amount of clothes. Zoro standing in full coloured red behind her at the counter.

She enjoyed the effect her words have on him. And she had made full use of it, complimenting him over and over again how well he looked in the most teasing and body focused way possible, which was also not a lie. Zoro had an incredible sense how to combine the pieces and definitely deserved those supporting words of hers.

After she paid, she quickly went back to the fitting room and putting the romper over her swimsuit and walks out back to Zoro. His eyes quickly catch the change.

She wants to walk out with him, when he stops her. "Works better with a belt or band.", he comments and regrets quickly finds him.

Nami grins up to him. "Mind to show me?"

He grumbles and shuffles in the bags to look for the piece he had in mind. He pulls out a orange tinted band that Nami had actually picked for him but she definitely saw that it plays in perfect contrast to her romper.

He offers it to her, but she keeps her grin up and just raises her arms. What is that teasing about? Why does she always request those ridiculous things of him?

He should have expected that, at this point, she had been just playing with his discomfort.

But then again, she had just paid for him, so obliging her once more might be just fair. At least that is what he tells himself instead of admitting that he just falls for any of her request at this point because he loves to please her. He craves for her to request from him and just him being the one that can gift her whatever odd demand she asks for.

He sighs defeated and leans over her, putting the fabric in a smooth motion around her, their faces so close. His breath tingles over her neckline, while his eye focuses to strap the band around her waist in a tasteful manner. He feels her eyes on him, dancing over his face that is basically in reach of her lips. He catches his breath at that thought.

Focus!

He demands himself to avoid fully investing any more thoughts into their proximity and just get the task at hand done.

Which Nami would not mind taking longer, to need more time of his body leaning into her space. And more reason to have his hands actually linger on her and not just brush over her waist so lightly that she almost misses it. As she keeps watching his focused gaze on tying the band into a knot on her side, she imagines him to wrap his arms just as tight around her as the band has been now strapped over her waist.

Could she ask for it?

When Zoro's eye catches in his peripheral Nami's mouth, he moves away. He cannot have her ask more, especially not right into his ear. His body is already suffering enough.

For a second, he lets his eye wander of his result and deems it good enough. And it actually fits even better than he had thought prior.

Nami looks down on herself, her fingers touch the soft but sturdy fabric that was meant to be used for him and his swords. She smiles in delight and looks up.

"I guess, I might need to borrow your stuff more often." And there she finds the now very familiar change of colour on his cheeks. Before he turns in a deep growl and a pretentious non-caring 'whatever' away from her out to the streets.

This has been quite a new experience.

One Nami would have not minded repeating or holding longer onto, but the sun announces its setting for the day and they have promised to gather together in the galley for dinner.

This did not hinder Nami and Zoro though from falling into another long conversation about everything and nothing along their slow paced way back to the ship. Just random thoughts shared between them, meeting laughers and short teases just to fall into common understanding.

Over the last few hours, Nami might have not succeed in her first goal, which was rather rural and seemed so undeserving of what her heart actually desired from the swordsman, to actually feeling the distance that she feared between the two, disappearing just as her hand is wrapped around the arm of Zoro to assure him staying close with her.

As they both stepped on the ship, her hand slipping of from his hold, they are instantly greeted by their doctor.

"Let's bath!", he wants to pull the swordsman right away with him, who laughs endeared by his little brother urge.

"A second, you guys go ahead. I just bring the stuff downstairs.", he refers to the bags. "And get some spare cloth.", he adds and enters the room, a quick glance up to Nami who just walked up the stairs and had the same idea in mind. Their eyes meet and they both settle for a small smile before Zoro disappears from her vision and a small idea in her head growing.

Bathing with Robin was one thing. Easy. Simple. He has seen her body tons of times and again, has no effect on him.

Nami though. A complete different story. One that referred to exactly the topics he had talked with her today. He had not admitted directly to her that differently to Robin's appearance, her physic does affect him. Badly. In a way he has first thought to hate himself for because Nami is meant to be respected and one of his, if not the closest, nakama on this ship. The one he looks on an eye level. It annoyed him that his body seemed to be just as much as a slave as the pervert of cook.

Until Vivi. When she joined the group temporary, Zoro firstly got a glimpse that his physical desire for the navigator might not be just a simple animalistic, human driven desire but that his body is trying to tell him that his reaction to her comes along with more than her physical appeal.

Which Robin's presence just completely proved. Even when he found trust in her and they both shifted their relationship from Nakamas to friends, his body stoically felt untouched.

It did not matter if she hugged him, bathed his back, asked his help on bras or any other rather intimate action, he felt nothing. Granting Robin probably also the additional comfort with him on all those matters. He was grateful that he was able to evolve this tight bond with her that seemed to unerupted by their physical closeness. One, he does enjoy. He likes having his head patted by her. He likes giving her a kiss on the temple, holding her at times or having her cuddling into his side. All of it felt good. Not heated. Not burning.

Nami did.

Every little touch, every proximity to her spiked in flushed of heat inside of him. Hence, he made the only sensible call.

Avoiding her body at all cost.

Like a pest.

He would never linger on her looks or participate on any of her displays. He purposely ignored all of her skin exposed to the world.

Because he hated how his body wants to exploit it.

He does not want to be reason for her to feel uncomfortable to walk around the way she wants, the way she finds comfort. He does not want to be one of many, including Brook and Sanji, that deem it as an allowance to stare and feed their starving eyes of her exposed skin that she definitely did not present to them but because that is just the way she likes to wear things.

He sighs at his lack of control on that matter. He sighs again, when his mind provides him again with the awareness that the body he is so desperately trying to escape from is just standing a couple of meters behind him.

Fully exposed.

Yes. Nami had decided on a whim – well, that is how she sold it to them – to join their bathing time.

Why did he not actually expect that after all she has been doing today?

Zoro needs a battle plan. One that might actually help him grow even more control over his body.

Don't focus on her. Don't pay any attention to her.

He nods to himself in full commitment. He had fought worse battles. He can manage this. And on cue, he feels little hoofs on his leg. A sponge being raised up to him.

He smiles and takes it, while sitting down behind him and starting their routine. While Jinbei washes himself, they start a casual talk about their last few hours, mostly Jinbei telling them about the trouble Luffy has caused again, who apparently has been napping now after he has gotten a big meal from Sanji.

"We have really a unique captain.", Robin comments and approaches the swordsman. "Mine back after his.", he grumbles. "You have extra hands."

"But your back rubs are the best.", Robin grins, her towel barely covering herself, because there is no need. The swordsman had no interest, neither any of the others.

"That they are.", Chopper sighs in happiness to which Zoro just smiles.

"Fine."

Thereby, inviting Robin to seat herself next to Chopper while turning back to Jinbei, who she engages into another conversation.

Zoro leaves Chopper's back, who after a second of dismissal jumps into the bath, followed by Jinbei. At least Robin's back was quicker cleaned, and he washes over it, still in full attention and participation on the conversation, barely noticing the navigator approaching them, her towel bound close to her body.

"May I get a taste of your backrubbing skills too?"

Zoro stops his motion and his body stirs at the sound of the voice. He does not want to look up, daring the view he will find.

And he is right. His blood burns in his vein, when his eye finds hers, not being able to avoid to take the entire scene presented in front of him in.

His battleplan dying in this second. Her hair wet, clearly freshly washed, her face red and her just towel-covered body right in front of his nose.

Too much.

The towel did not help. It made it almost worse, as it seems to play with his mind to just imagine what lies below.

How out of all battles in his life, this seems to be the one he just will never win?

"Hn.", he just grunts and tries to find focus back on his friend back, who however, already removes herself from his hand. He catches her evil – definitely, how he describes the intend of that gesture – smile on her lips while moving into the bath. Leaving him with his heated body alone with the one causing all of hit.

Oh, he hates that Robin leaves him in this battle fully knowing how impossible this is for him. His eye glares hard into her back trying to send her a clear message of how betrayed he feels. Simply, to have another lighter skin placing itself right in front of him.

He stares at her skin completely lost. She has removed the towel over her back, having it loosely positioned over the front of her, while she has moved her head on her knees, holding her legs close to her chest.

Speak. Act. Do something.

His very stir mind shouts in fear if he does not do any of it, she will turn around, she will blow her last killing move on him and he would just die right here.

What a pathetic death.

He breathes in and rinses her sponge. "Tell me if it is too cold.", his voice comes out deeper than he anticipated.

Deeper than Nami has been prepared for. Her heart raising the heat and her body shivers even more when she feels the sponge and not because of the temperature. "It is good.", she whispers, her eyes glued to the three in the bath, talking and playing. Her mind on her heartbeat that pumps hard against her chest.

How did she gather to courage to ask him for this?

It wasn't courage. But desire. Seeing him doing it on Robin, so normally, so casually…

She had noticed that it seemed not as intimate as the idea of this action might incline. Her mind going back to his words on how unaffected he is on Robin.

And then, she remembers his coloured cheeks.

Is it only her words that could evoke that?

So, to test her theory and something worse than that – hope – she has placed herself in front of the man, she keeps desiring so badly.

Her eyes close and enjoy his smooth motions, he is careful but puts enough work into it to actually feel like a proper wash.

Her body tenses when she feels his fingertips slip over the sponge, just to be as quickly removed. Her eyes open and she wants to feel more of that. She takes a breath in. So close to what she wanted. And yet so far away.

And then, when his sponge moves from her right to the left shoulder, she feels his movement stop. The sponge staying at her neck and…

His fingers.

In soft motion they wander over the skin on her shoulder. His fingers feel rough but the pressure on them is so caring and light.

Thud. Thud.

"Zoro…", her mind leaves her on what else to add.

"This scar.", he explains softly then forcing her mind to actually focus. "Is from Jacko, right…", his fingers glide carefully over the deep mark that once had been the cut into her flesh.

She nods and her mind goes back to those days. The days, when Zoro and her did not know how to communicate and chose to bicker. Just to reveal their care for each other a second later. Like on that day, when he shouted for her, when she got him his swords… when it was just them. Them relying on each other.

"Has been a while.", she smiles and wishes she could see him. She considers to turn around and catch his eye, but then the sponge moves again over her back.

"Yeah, it has been.", he removes his fingers and proceeds with the cleaning of her back.

"Sometimes, I miss it…", she admits, and he hums in agreement. Her eyes watch to the other three in front of them in the bath. She wants to dwell longer with him in their own little bubble they seem to exist in right now.

But that little dream pops, when she feels his hands with the sponge retrieving from her skin.

"Zoro.", she turns around and his eye catches hers not expecting this quick motion.

"Your turn.", she grins and his mouth moves, but no words come out, then he grumbles and turns his back to her.

He is just so weak to her. For her.

She stares at the mountain in front of her. The broad back, she has mostly admired from afar right in reach. She takes the sponge and soaks it. She will make use of this opportunity. Differently to him, she travels even slower over his muscles, her fingers finding his skin on purpose. She notices his body tensing, with every touch her fingers had when slipping over the sponge. How did his big hands not constantly fall over the sponge?

Because he tried to not touch her.

But he did with Robin. She saw it. She saw the way his hands gripped deep in the sponge to provide the right amount of friction and thus, his hands unavoidable kept touching her skin.

She saw it because her stomach did respond in a very intense heat of thoughts that put her in that position. And once she was, he avoided the thing she craved for so well.

Idiot. Who allowed him to steal those touches from her?

"Are you done?", he grumbles over his shoulder and she smiles. "Your back is huge. Takes a bit more.", she moves her fingers again, this time without the sponge under the pretentious idea to spread some of the water over all his curves.

"It is really astounding how your back is so unmarked…", she whispers and her fingers slide even slower over his skin that seems to tense under every little touch of hers.

"Try my best to keep it this way.", he says and it sounds forced and sharp.

"Because of swordsman pride?", she replies in a weakly amused way, such a stupid concept from human of old times invented.

"Yeah. That is how it started. Now I just think of it as the one piece of me that does not belong to my swordsmanship.", he explains in a failing attempt to sound casual, while in actuality his entire mind and body tried to handle the intense flares her fingers and her movements trigger.

Nami is too lost in her own bliss. Less conflicted though about taking advantage of this very unique opportunity. She should make sure it will not be unique.

Her eyes follow her hands that finally do hold the sponge again and if there ever had been a doubt, she is absolute certain now that this body appeals to her. Although, as incredible beautiful and stunning his muscles are, she necessarily isn't obsessed with them but rather because they belong and shape the body of the person that her heart has started to create in its own rhythm. A rhythm she really wants to share with him.

"That is beautiful.", she admits in a smile and leans forward, her lips pushing softly against his skin right between his shoulder blades. His body fully tenses at the contact.

Why is she always playing with him?

"Sorry, I just thought it deserves it.", her lips move back, and she finishes the cleaning in full enjoyment. And so does he, based on the way he eases against her and she even catches a soft sigh. "I am not that bad either, right.", she grins.

His body moves and he turns to her again, a wide grin on his lips too. "Yeah…", his voice a lot softer than prior.

But before she can say anything, he stands and offers his hand to her, she takes it and just as she stands in front of him, his entire face colour switches into a dark red and turns into the opposite direction. "Your towel.", he whispers.

"Oh.", she looks down and picks it up, holding his hand still, making sure that he won't leave despite him really wanting to do nothing else. She smiles up at him. "Sorry.", she repeats herself in a grin, making him doubt if she really was. But he just nods, while moving quickly away to the bath. To the others.

As obvious as her desire might have been to Usopp, it is clear that the target of her heart does not see how it keeps shouting for him. But maybe, after their last few hours, he slowly let the idea of it slip into his mind.