Nami stares at the ceiling of her room. The night lingers still harshly over the sea, but her mind does not find any more sleep. She sighs and flips the blanket over to get out. It is silent all around her. The merry is going over the waves smoothly. They should reach the redline by tomorrow. Nami steps out into the night. A small cold breeze hits her, she puts her arms around her and takes a deep breath. Always refreshing. Her head falls back and she lets her eyes wander over the clear sky above her. The carpet of stars shimmers down and she feels like she could just embrace the world.
"Nami, you are awake?", a deep voice reaches her from behind. So familiar, that it only warms her despite the chilliness of the air. She turns and looks into the face of the swordsman. "Yeah, couldn't find sleep.", she smiles.
"I guess Luffy's excitement catches on.", she adds in a grin.
Zoro chuckles and nods, while stepping next to her and leaning over the railing.
"You have nightshift?", Nami already knows the answer in over 90% of the time, Zoro has always been the one sitting out on the crownest. His nod just proving her right. "When was the last time you slept in the hammock?"
He grins. "And here I thought you are just annoyed about my naps."
She bumps his arm in a weak attempt to present him annoyance, only making them both laugh at their stupid antics.
And then it hit her.
How did she not connect the dots earlier?
His naps were the results of all the sleepless nights.
"Why do you take the nightshift then?", she mumbles in the weak attempt to get confirmation for what she assumes hold the truth of his demeanour as the self-proclaimed night watcher. But as per usual, Zoro just shrugs. Keeping his heart and mind closed to himself.
"Time alone and a bit of silence is nice.", which undoubtedly was not a lie either, but definitely not the cause for his motion to cover most of their nights. To watch and protect. To assure their sleep to be relaxed and fruitful.
"Well, I should get up there.", He is about to lean back, when Nami holds out on his arm.
"Let us enjoy this together a bit longer.", she smiles at him and his features soften just so slightly.
And he did.
Marking this the first of many to follow. Whenever time allowed, Nami would come out at night or early morning hours and just join him.
At first, they would mostly dwell in silence or simple small talks before it dragged into the moments of confessions.
"You looked through me.", Nami said while staring up the sky above them, still tainted in the dark colours of the night.
"Hm?", his head is next his body stretched opposite to hers. His eyes are closed and Nami actually believed for a moment that he fell asleep.
"Arlong park. When you jumped into the water. You did because you knew…"
Her face turns to watch his face, his lips lift lightly. "You are not hard to read.", he whispers. "Especially not if one gets to know you better."
She grumbles annoyed. "You guys didn't know me.", she tries to deny and watches him laugh at her words.
"Nami, you and I both know you wanted to be with us the moment, we met."
Her eyes trace his face, the way his features soften.
"You tasted freedom with Luffy.", and Nami feels the truth of his words run a shiver over her spine.
"And safety with me." And there was no denying in any of that. "And so did we with you.", he opens his eyes and as he turns to her, their eyes meet.
Safety.
"Thank you.", she whispers.
The moment taken away by the day running over them. But they both know that this will be repeated. As it did.
Their words started to fall more into little truth of their hearts. Feeling comfort in the other.
"Sneaked out a bottle.", Nami grins and places the sake treasure on the floor in front of his folded legs. His lips lift bright. "A thief after all.", they laugh and sip on it.
"How are your legs?", Nami leans back on the railing next to him, her eyes laying on his newly stitched legs. She is still stunned over his commitment.
"Better.", his eyes scan her. "You are sure, you are good? That bite looked bad."
"Nah, that was nothing.", she grins and lifts her top to reveal no mark. His face still in a deep frown. "Doesn't mean anything.", he whispers, and she pats his arm. "Don't worry. I can handle a bite."
He grumbles. "We surely need a doctor. You being also the only who has some knowledge on health, makes this even-"
"I am good.", Nami insisted and glares at him. His worry does not help that there is a heaviness on her since they left little garden. But they had to focus, and this would pass.
"Nami, you are the most precious member of our ship. Without a doctor, if something happens to you… we won't get far.", he takes another sip of the sake.
Nami smiles at his words, he had been a lot more outspoken with her. Not in their normal empty bickers, but with honesty about their care.
"Zoro, you have some knowledge of health yourself. Your stitches are pretty good and you know how to avoid infections."
"I would not be able to cure a disease."
"Neither could I."
They stare at each other for a while, before Nami sighs and leans on his side. "I guess, we really should look for a doctor."
"My point. Should have been earlier on his list.", Zoro grumbles and looks down at her. Why did she feel so warm? It was night and the air was rather chill, but Nami's body definitely felt warm against him. Warmer than usual…
"You know our idiot of a captain. He picks random instead of need."
"You have a point. I mean, picking a swordsman first before a navigator or doctor just a ridiculous pick.", he chuckles and awaits her to follow along his reaction, but sees her shift and turn at her.
Nami looks seriously at him. "You really think you have no value in this crew…", she mumbles. He turns away. "I am a fighter, I protect.", he knew that he can do that. He was aware that on practice his skills were of limited use.
"And you take the role of the watcher. You play the shield for us to make sure we are playing our parts.", Nami smiles and grabs the bottle again. "I will keep reminding you over and over again about your importance until you get it."
Zoro smiles weakly at her. "You know…", he starts and leans back to stare up into the sky. Sparkling in a blanket full of stars and planets. "Luffy seeked me out for my power, but he picked me for my heart."
Nami watches him and takes his words in. They taste sweet and like a little confession to himself. One that gave a small glimpse of what bonded the first mate so tightly to his captain.
"Same with you.", Zoro adds and looks at him. "As for everyone." And Nami nods along his words, before leaning against his side again, letting her eyes wander up the sky.
Nami is not surprised that Zoro evolved into the most comfortable person to her.
He was deep and thoughtful when he sensed she needed or asked for it. He was funny, light and always up for letting some steam off. And most of all, he was silent. So comfortable to just sit around and do her gardening, to sun or share the news. She learned that Zoro always listened.
Yeah, she was incredibly comfortable with him. They could talk about their philosophies as much as random embarrassing stories of the past, just to make the other laugh. Nami loved watching him laugh, the way his body vibrated and his face lights up, she would tell him all kinds of things just to see him like that. Just as much as his caring eyes on her, when she would share the parts of her broken heart with him. He would always be there, holding her and embrace it all so softly.
So, it should have not been of any surprise that their comfort extended even beyond that.
That the conversation that popped up casually between them after drum island should have not come to a surprise to her.
The sea was calm, and everyone was just napping or dwelling without motion around the ship. Vivi was sitting with Chopper reading some news.
Usopp and Luffy were focused on fishing and Sanji occupied himself in the kitchen by cleaning or cooking.
And Nami was bored. She was not in the mood to join either of her friend's activities. She tried to draw some of her maps, but it required too much of her brain which did not want to participate today. Her mind wanders to the swordsman. What has he been up to? She steps outside and wanders around the deck, just to find her fellow nakama nowhere. In lost hope she enters the galley, just to find the person of her seeking.
"Zoro!", she said delighted.
"Oh Nami-swan, do you want a drink?", Sanji already danced to her while being cursed by the swordsman.
Nami smiles weakly, she has still not learned how to put down this very uncomfortable behaviour of Sanji's.
"Nah, I am good.", she turns to Zoro who looks up at her. "You were looking for me?", he said and took another sip of his water, apparently he had just finished another training session.
"Yeah, I was wondering where you are and just thought maybe…", Nami became fully aware that the cook was still with them and probably would be inappropriate about anything Nami will say. "Maybe you can help me out with something.", she added and before Sanji could offer anything. "Luffy is probably asking for lunch soon.", and with that she turned and with a short look over the shoulder invited Zoro, who has raised an eyebrow, to follow her.
He grumbled slightly confused by followed her outside right to the orange trees.
She sat below their shadows and Zoro joined next to her. "So, what are we doing?"
"Occupying my boredom.", she said and gained a laugh. Zoro falls on his back. "How do we do that?"
"Don't know, why swimming in ice water after your feet are still healing was something your mind considered sensible?", Nami was sometimes truly stunned by him. He was such a thoughtful, in depth person that chews over every emotions and actions several times, preparing himself for all possible outcomes and at the same time does the most reckless choices Nami could not even imagine about.
She followed his lead and laid down next to him. Her face turning to him, seeing his bright smile.
"I need to become stronger.", he said first in a quick answer, but Nami knew better and waited for the truth behind his actions to be spoken.
"I felt helpless.", he admits. "I couldn't do anything to help you. And no, taking the nightwatch or lying next to you, counts only as the bare minimum.", Nami allowed his complain to pass with a warm smile on her lips. His care always spreading through her chest in a heated shiver. She loved to know how much value she had in his heart.
"Becoming stronger, train and being at least the physical barrier between your guys potential pain is all I can serve. So, I focused on that…"
Nami watched over his stern face, his lips pressed down. "You worried a lot about me…"
"I told you, you are the most precious member on board."
"Functional most precious.", she supplied and his eyes met hers. "Luffy-"
"Luffy is Luffy. Our freedom, our promise to be our true self. You are…"
Nami's eyes caught his mind slipping, his mind growing fondly and his struggle to let her hear it.
"You know…", he grumbled and turned away. "You are not allowed to get sick anymore."
At that Nami could only laugh. He was obviously overwhelmed with his own emotions. "I don't aim to.", she grinned and leaned her forehead on his arm. "But thank you for staying with me."
"We all did."
She shook her head. "You know what I mean.", he moved under her and turned. "You… noticed?"
She smiled. "You are the only one that makes me feel this comfortable.", the night before they arrived, when most were asleep and her sickness kept her in delirium, she felt the constant exchange of her overheated towel. Not just on her head but lower legs. The rough hands touching her so carefully, when trying to cool her body off while keeping her still enwrapped in warmth. The only one that Nami knew who would know how to handle a fever, the only one that would not feel awkward touching her, because they are friends, because there is full trust in him.
Zoro stayed the entire night awake, not having the night shift but still being the one who constantly switched her towels. And over the day, when he would cover, he would be the one who read the news to her, checking her temperature, being there to occupy her sense.
He had been there and remind her over and over again that she can do it. Because he trusted her. He believed in her strength to manage this.
"Thank you.", she pushes her lips lightly against his upper arm.
Zoro leans down on her, gifting her head with the same gesture and just, when he was about to say something, they heard movement approaching them. It was Sanji who seemingly tried to collect some of Nami's tangerines for his cookings.
"Oh, I will make Nami-swan and Vivi-chan the most delicious drinks they ever had and then, they will notice how much they are in love with me and then kiss me! Or maybe even let me touch-"
"Sanji! I want lunch!" , Luffy saved the swordsman and navigator to be spotted by the love drunk cook.
Once his voice disappeared again, Zoro spoke up. "Are you okay?", and Nami looked over just to realise that she must have stiffen by the disturbing comments. "I really don't want to know what he dreams about…", Nami mumbled.
"Yeah, wish I wouldn't either."
Nami looked surprise. "How do you?"
"He speaks in his sleep and well…", Zoro stopped himself and turns aside, with a deep frown on his forehead.
"Wait.", Nami sat up. "Does he use us in his… fantasies?"
"You should not be surprised.", Zoro sighs painfully. He did not want to confirm that but it was the pervert cook after all they talked about, it should be obvious.
"It does though. I don't want him to even think for a split second about touching me.", she shivers in hurt solely by the idea of her meant to be friend using her body in that way in his mind. Seeing his eyes feasting on her skin, was one thing but knowing his mind would supply worse, pained.
"Well, he touches something for sure…", Zoro mumbles attempting to not be heard or having the intention of his words being understood by her. But she does.
Nami starred at her fellow friend.
"Fuck.", he grumbles annoyed about himself. "Sorry, I shouldn't have.", he should have not shared that or even let her mind realise how disturbing this man can be.
Though he did not expect her next words.
"Do you?"
His eyes look up at her. The anger, he assumed to meet was dying in her as interest seemed to have grown instead.
"Pardon?", he stared at her stunned.
"Do you touch yourself and think of us?", Nami repeated and kept her eyes on him. Her mind not allows to wonder why this was a question she wanted to know the answer to.
"No.", he said instantly. "I mean, I do touch myself but not with you in mind.", he shrugged at his confession lightly. He didn't need to pretend that this was not something they do, because it is obvious they all do.
Thought, this had been not a topic they have scratched with each other. But he did not mind laying this out on her. They are outgrown, they are aware of the growing needs.
"Who do you think about then?", Nami watched him just as nonchalant, and in actuality she even embraced his honesty.
"No one particular.", Zoro did not feel ashamed or embarrassed about the nature of his thoughts or needs of his body. He just truly uses any image in his mind when helping himself out on his rather primitive needs. "Do you have someone in mind?"
Nami was stunned once again. Zoro really considered equality on all levels. He seemed rather unfazed about the idea that Nami was just as entertained with their human needs as him himself.
"Hm… maybe I go back to past moments, but nothing to particular.", she let her mind wander back to the last time she did. It had been a while. Normally when boredom would have hit her.
"Yeah, same here. Can't work with pictures of random people.", Zoro admitted and looked at the sea.
She nods along and falls onto her back. "I imagine a faceless person and well its more about the sensation than anything for me."
Zoro looked down at her and chuckled at their conversation, before falling next to her. "Have you…"
She nodded. "Horrible though.", she grinned at him. "The next ones were better but Sex is just…"
"Boring.", he said almost disappointed and Nami chuckled next to him. "That coming from you."
"Pardon?", he grumbled in a hint of offence, but she turned to him in a grin. "Well, look at you. Full of muscles, sharp jawline and deep thoughts. Pretty sexual. And yet…"
He grinned back at her words, her complimenting him so casually. She really was unique and their relationship surely had shifted to pure comfort. He looked thoughtful at her for a moment, before he said, "Probably hadn't had a good one."
"Yeah, that's what I keep saying to myself too.", she grinned and their talks drove further into their old flings, laughing over their own naivety on the things to their idealistic ideas on how it could be better.
And this conversation runs through Nami's intoxicated mind right now. Right during their celebrations in Alabasta. Because she definitely is in the mood. And she is absolutely sure that Zoro is too. Despite him being an actual considered and kind man, his eyes linger heavier on some of the girls he had been talking to. They did not wander far, but Nami saw them focusing the lips of the opponent in between their conversation.
Nami smiles at his obvious lost attempt to decide on either following his needs or just pushing it away. As well as his obvious lack of realisaiton that the other party of his conversation send very clear signals of not minding of taking it into another direction.
Nami almost giggles when watching their mighty swordsman turning away and apparently deciding against his desires by dipping out. She grabs another bottle and decides to follow him out.
"You do know that she was about to jump you?", Nami chuckles as she approaches him and passes the bottle to the now bewildered swordman.
"You really didn't catch the signs?", Nami bumps her shoulders into his and leans just as him over the balcony fence. "How did you actually manage to get your hookups before.", she takes a sip and feels his eyes still lingering on her, before moving into the distance of the country they have just saved.
"I probably was too drunk to remember.", he grumbles and takes a sip of the bottle Nami had given him. "Thanks.", he mumbles shortly, and silence settles over them.
"So, why don't you go back and get her?", Nami winks at him at his growing grinning face. "Nah, not in the mood."
"Liar.", she grins now. "You are so in the mood. You could not take your eyes from her lips and your entire body was visibly stiff."
He raises a brow and watches her for a moment. "How long have you observed me?"
"Well, apparently long enough.", she answers unfazed, she was not ashamed about any of it. Also, Zoro had become the one person in her life she talked about everything. Literally. He was the only one who knew about her cycle which actually had granted her some extra care and treatment from his side, warming her comfort with him even more.
"But can't blame you, I am down too. Must be the adrenaline."
At this Zoro laughs next to her, her shoulder feeling his vibration on her own skin as their arms still touch.
Her senses react instantly. Her eyes tracing his features and once again noticing how incredible handsome this man is. She has not denied that fact ever. Zoro is beyond beautiful.
"Well, you can have mine, I don't want her.", Zoro comments then and looks at her eyes, who still dwell on him. Her lips turning into a smile. "Tempting, but if you don't want her, doubt she is a fit for me.", Nami grins and finding amusement in their knowledge that gender did not play a big role in picking a partner.
"True. She seems a bit too eager.", Zoro focuses the bottle in his hand. "Don't believe she listened to one word I said, too focused on my body."
"Can't blame her on that.", Nami confirms in a small laugh at his apparent hurt of being objectified. Sometimes, he was just adorable.
"And yet, you still do listen to me.", he grins at her and she keeps her smile on her lips.
"Zoro, a hook up is not meant to contain much more than bodies, seems like I might need to recall that for you.", she catches his eyes soften. She leans closer and places a small kiss on his arm. "Or is the mighty swordsman looking for love?", her head falls onto his arm, that starts to vibrate again in his evoked chuckle.
"Nah, have enough love with you guys.", his words warm her chest. He is only that open with her, at least that's what he told her. And so is she with him. No one else makes her feel like, that her inner thoughts shall be heard and are safe. Anything of her is safe with him.
"But I am apparently look not for a hookup either.", he adds and sighs. Her head lifts and she watches his face sliding down to the bottle in his hands again. "Feels wasteful.", he explains curt, making her nod. They have talked about it. They both felt that a quick union for a couple of hours with a stranger just feed the void and emptiness than anything.
"The reason, I have not looked around either.", she admits in a whisper and her eyes follow the movements of his hands and silence covers them again.
"Zoro, Nami!", Usopp runs out onto them, smashing his body right into Nami, pushing her harder into the firm body of the swordsman, who looks at their drunken fellow. Cheeks fully red and movement lost. "Ah, what a beautiful night! What are you up to! Chopper and I are… wait. Where is Chopper?"
Nami and Zoro chuckle. "You seem to have a good time."
"So good, we deserve it!", he falls against Nami, who wraps her arm around him. "Maybe I should get him to bed.", she comments as Usopp's eyes fall close.
"If you want, I can take him.", he offers while watching her putting her drunken friend with his help over her back.
"How come he gets the piggyback and not me?", Zoro comments in a grin and walks with her down the floor of the castle.
"Because you are pure muscle and I was not able to walk.", she grins up to him. Usopp was indeed rather light, barely muscle. Maybe even lighter than her. "Maybe we should join your training.", Nami adds at her observation.
"Dear no.", Zoro instantly laughs. "You guys will never let me get my sets done.", he stops, when another shout reaches them.
"ZORO!", and the furry member runs right into his chest, similarly intoxicated and sleepy, as Chopper cuddles himself into to chest of the swordsman, who caught him. "Was looking for you.", he mumbles. "You …", his nose scrunches and his eyes open. "You took your bandages off again!"
"We party, they are in the way and they would get dirty anyways.", he grumbles and scratches the doctor's fur, who relaxes instantly against him.
Nami watches them in a smile.
Zoro grins. "My new secret weapon against him, noticed his soft spots during the bath.", he whispers to her and they move along. Nami chuckles and they fall back into listening to the rambles of their drunken crewmates, who realise just then that they are together again and tried reunite just to fall heavy on their way more sober nakama's, who carry them to their beds, tug them in and leave the room.
"So, what do we do now?", she leans on the door next to Zoro and looks up to him, his shoulder lift shortly and letting her know he is just as aimless as her.
Noise reaches them and they both move away.
"Oh, dear beauty, are you sure, I can not join you?", their cooks voice reaches them and they quickly move.
"Behind here.", Nami whispers and pulls the arm of Zoro right behind the long curtains on the windows of the other side of their sleeping quarters. She pushes him right onto her, assuring that his broad body is perfectly hidden behind the curtain. His arms fall next to her head to not hit the wall. "Careful.", he grumbles but she just grins up and her head whips around when Sanji's voice comes closer. Clearly drunk, clearly trying to convince the two ladies that had the decency to take him to bed to stay. Both visibly not interested and both only present out of respect for his service against Crocodile. As well as only together to protect the other. As Sanji's hands still hold on their waist and try to pull, they remove themselves and push him into the room. One keeps the door open, the other seems to take the cook properly to bed.
Nami and Zoro neither say a word and just wait for the two ladies to leave after they sigh heavy and close the door.
"Disgusting.", one shivers and the other seems to consult her.
Their steps turn dull over time and Nami breathes out. "Why did we hide?", Zoro says and Nami raises her head to reply, just to feel her breath taken again. His face is close to hers, the moonlight dancing over all of his so sharp yet delicate features, his eyes lingering in patience on her and she catches it.
The small moment in a blink second when his eyes give away that he is just as aware as her of their proximity. Of their… options.
She could kiss him. And he would respond. She knows. He knows.
She knows he would fall into her. Just as much as he knows that she wants to pull him in.
And just then it breaks, he grins and his head bumps against the wall above her. "Damn, we are both really in need of relief."
Nami chuckles below him and leans onto him. "We probably should try to sleep too.", they both nod and just a couple of seconds pass before they both part and walk back into the sleeping quarter.
Neither expected that this moment would hold more power over them than it turns out to do. Or rather what path this will lead them.
One that started to slowly ask for more. So much more.
"Gosh, I forgot how loud we are.", Zoro grins and slips next to Nami onto the big roots of Skypia both leaning beack onto the trunk. She falls right onto his arm and smiles over their sleeping crewmates. "It is good that we are reunited."
He hums in agreement.
"Thanks for saving me so many times.", Nami smiles, when she feels him grumbling annoyed. "Those idiot sharks.", Nami closes her eyes. "I think I will sleep a bit."
"Go ahead.", Zoro just says but he does not expect for her to snuggle her body right onto his side. He looks down at her, watches her content smile, before he lifts his arm and putting it over her pushing her softly right onto him, her head cuddling into his chest.
The warmth heat filling his chest, right below her head.
As Zoro stays awake and just takes the unplanned watch over. His mind falling over and over again back to the person he is holding, his hand stroking over her arm in slow motions. Nami has grown into the person he feels warm, relaxed… and safe. Ironic.
He smiles, but there is no denying. Nami is the one he holds on his mind the most. The one he wants to be with over and over again.
His mind never feels unsure with her, no self-doubt finds space. Just care and safety. Gosh, Luffy picked good.
And as they move along their adventures, Nami and Zoro let their relationship shift along with it.
A knock on the door. Robin uses her powers to open it, their swordman enters. "Got some water, hot packs, pain killers and after some fights with our stupid cook some fruit smoothies."
Nami and Robin smile at his packed entrance. Each receiving their portion of his sacrifice. "I thought, if I tell him you guys feel bad, he would be more of a nuance than trying to get myself a drink from him."
"And he did it after a fight?", Robin smiles and takes a long sip.
"You know him.", he didn't need to explain how disgraceful Sanji's words were intended.
"You are the best.", Nami hums delighted. "But a pity that our cycle's synched so quickly.", Nami grumbles and pushes her blanket higher.
Zoro smiles weakly and passes another book into Robin's hand, before standing and wanting to leave them on their own, just to hear the small callout of Nami.
"You can stay, if you want.", Nami mumbles.
Zoro turns and looks at them. Robin and him have became pretty comfortable too. Both of them probably belonged to the ones, he was the closest with.
"Are you sure?"
"Don't worry, not gonna use you as our punching ball.", Nami assures in a smile. "Just play some cards with me.", at that he laughs but nods and falls on the floor next to her bed.
They play for a while, Robin joining them, covered in a blanket, cuddled on Zoro's side, who rubbed her arm while trying to assure no cheating, because neither of the two are known for being fair players.
Just when Robin's head falls heavy on his shoulder, he collects the cards and places the archaeologist back to her bed and when he puts the cards back, Nami pulls on his trousers.
"Stay with me?", she mumbles and he can only smile. Cute.
He sits down in front of her bed again, her eyes close and she mumbles some story about Bellmere and Nojiko celebrating her birthday by dancing in the rain together. He listens and watches sleep winning slowly over her, taking sense of her words. He watches her for a moment, as she drifts away and he follows her lead, by closing his own eyes, his head falling down on the mattress of hers.
Minutes pass before Nami wakes, her eyes finding green instantly and she notices that Zoro must have fallen asleep on her bedside. She smiles at him.
"Zoro…", she whispers, knowing his sleep is never deep. "Come here.", she sits up and pulls on his arm, that slowly moves at his wakening state.
"What?", he grumbles but follows her pull nonetheless.
"Take of your shoes.", she demands while moving her blanket aside and as he complies in his still half awaken state, she pushes him fully next to her on the bed. She cuddles right into his side. "Sleep."
He chuckles below her. "So, demanding."
"You need that. Also, you always listen anyways.", she grins and feels his arm slowly falling around her and pulling her into his side.
Comfortable. And yet, growing from warmth into heat with every moment more, that they would find each other.
How him becoming more often than not her pillow, as well as him playing with the little pieces of her hem whenever his arms falls around her waist and they just linger next to each other.
Slowly, their minds started to feed more into their comfort. Something, their hearts felt to heavy to share or to even admit. Pretending it is just because they are so used to other. Because they trust the other.
Growing more and more into a little secret. One that neither considered of value. While in truth, turning the meanings of their touches into skipping beats. While in truth, their dreams filled themself with ideas of passion. Of how much more this secrecy could bring along.
In secret they both started to dwell in the sinful truth behind their touches, their closeness.
As once Nami has only admired the body of the swordsman for his general objective appeal and strength, it became more and more part of her darker desires, the ones that guided her fingers over her skin. The ones that transformed more and more into the ones of her greenhead friend. And her breath catches every time for a second, when she lets her fantasy use her friend more. Make him the one touching all her pieces. The first few times, she found some guilt settling in.
Especially, when she looks at his smiling face after and his words are so heavy of his mind, that she feels like a liar to misuse him for her desires, but it just kept growing. Her mind providing only him. And her wishes grow to become reality, that the piercing eyes in her mind would send the same fire into her, like the one little moment in Alabasta. But she has not met them again.
Only the soft ones, the ones in determination, the ones with care.
"Nami.", his voice pulls her out of her mind. Her head still on his chest, the sun touching the horizon. "Where have your thoughts been?", his voice so deep and soft. Like a blanket.
She looks up and his head turns to her, they are lying against the main mast of their ship, behind her tangerine trees. The spot they have turned into their own. The one, she would find him sleep after his nightshift, only for her to snuggle into him.
Like tonight.
"Thought of you.", she mumbles and smiles and watches him chuckle in surprise. "What an honour."
"I…", she hesitates, and her hand reaches up, touching his chin, tracing over his jaw, she feels him tightening his grip. "I do that a lot lately.", she admits to him and herself. Her heart racing and finally giving her an idea what lies behind her carnal desires. His eyes slide over her face and there is so much softness in them. So much care.
"I think of you when…", she pauses again, catching his eyes and waits a second to pass. Waits on his patient eyes on her. She can tell him. They will figure this out.
"When I am… in need.", and she sees his eyes widen, his muscles twitch under her and she absorbs all of his response.
And then he growls, turns his head away, falling back against the mast and Nami can only smile, when she feels him pushing her closer into his side.
"You can't just say something like that.", his voice heavy, dark.
"I said worse things to you.", she smiles and her fingers slide down his neck. He is so pretty.
"I do too.", he cuts against her. "Think of you… in those moments."
And for some odd reason, Nami did not expect that. Her eyes stare on him, wanting to meet his eyes, but he keeps his head high. Avoiding her.
Why?
"Zoro…"
"I am sorry.", he voices again and Nami hears his pain. He feels guilty. "You are my friend. I should not…"
"Zoro.", she tries again and her hand wanders behind his back, pulling slightly and he gives in. He head drops down to her. "It's okay.", she whispers and her eyes finally meet his. "I don't mind it, because it is you…", she adds and her body plays a symphony of fire over her skin along the lines his fingers slowly move over her arm again.
"Is it okay…that I use you?", her eyes try to catch it all. The relief growing in his face, the relaxation falling over him and as his body turns, they mend into a new position.
Both turning on their sides, their faces right in front of each other, the sacks of earth serving as their pillows. Their bodies don't touch, seem lost but their eyes linger on each other.
"Isn't that…wrong?", and she can only chuckle over how weak he sounds. She pushes herself closer and reaches for his jaw again. "It doesn't feel wrong.", she says instead and her heart tickles, when she feels his hand falling on her waist, pulling her finally closer to him.
"But we are friends…", Nami doubts he believes his own words. "Are we…?", her eyes watch his fill with surprise. "I don't know if that label does justice to what you are to me.", she explains, her fingers slide into his hair and she watches his lips tighten. He likes it.
"Nami…", he says so soft. He tries so hard not to… "I am not…-"
"What do you fantasise about me?", she stops him and his eyes change. She sees it. The fire. "Do you…", her body pushes right against him, her nose brushing his. "Want to show to me?", she whispers and she feels his hand sliding over her back, lower and pushing into her flesh, his thumb stroking and her breath catches.
He watches her, feels her body asking for more. Her hand keeps pulling him closer, their faces too close for him to grab anything beyond her breath on his lips. Tangerines. The ones they just snacked on before. His mind considers to give it another thought, to digest this, but his body follows hers. Pushing under her little night gown top, tracing her soft skin on the back, listening to her soft hums right on his lips.
"Only if you show me yours.", he replies and both know that this sentence everything between them. Her finally closing the last distance between them and him pushing right into her lips as they touch his. Deep and heated, he turns them again. Her hands falling over his neck, down his back, dragging her fingers over all his muscles and humming right against his lips.
His fingers sliding over her side, striving over her soft shapes, before his fingers fully cup her and their minds fall deep into the cloud of each other's bodies.
Time disappears and so does any material between them, their fingers touch and ask and pull. Their hearts burn deep against their chest and their lips merge over and over onto each other, when their bodies meet, and move. When their fantasies become empty lies to the deep sensation of reality. Nothing had prepared either of them how good this would feel. How intense their touches and kisses would vibrate over their skin. And when exhaustion finally wins over them, the sun had been shining in its full power over them.
Slowly Zoro pulls his lips of her and his eyes looking over her blissed face. Her lips so swollen, her cheeks red and her eyes falling over his in the same content manner as his. Both know this will not be the last time. Both know that from this point on, their fantasies will not be needed anymore. And if it would be on them, they would have lingered, dwelled in their closeness that was still beating against the other skin. But morning wins and their crewmembers wake.
But this belonged to them. It should be only theirs. At least for now. Zoro pushes himself up, grabbing her little pieces of cloth and pulling it with her help over her body, feeling her fingers over his arms and her lips still finding his skin in between, making him smile and leaning down into another soft kiss, before she helps him to put his clothes back on, taking her sweet time. Letting her fingers touch his so sinful delicious muscles over his thighs one last time before hiding them again.
Not one word falls of their lips, that they still lean onto the other as long as they can stretch their moment. Her straddling his lap, his body leaning onto the mast, his hands on her hips and hers massaging his head, while their lips move in small motions against each other.
Longer. More.
But broken, when the voices become too loud. The galley door moves and their lips break. Their foreheads meet. Their fingers, still circling around the skin of the other. Their eyes lying on each other, whispering silent words.
Another breath and Nami pulls herself heavily up. Moving out of their little spot, her eyes still on him, taking his shape in, the way his fingers fall of her, the way his chest lifts and falls. He looks content. Blissed. Happy.
She smiles right at him, before she turns and finally finds her way back to her quarters, to get changed, to cover all the marks he had left on her. Because they belonged to her. Only her.
Zoro sighs in a soft smile before moving himself, leaving enough time between her departure and his to not even get a glimpse of her, when he enters their quarters. A short look in the mirror approving that her fingers left traces all over his hip, his back and his thigh. She really had needed him.
He pulls his shirt over and steps out. As he finds his place naturally next to her in the galley, his heart fills another heat. Another desire. One that not only lies on his physical needs, but so much deeper.
A need that kept growing with every other moment, he found himself with her.
Just the two of them.
Nami and Zoro.
Their voices, their spoken hearts, their heated touches and their so blissful kisses. And it feels perfect. It feels full. Even when their minds collide, their hearts find a way to talk. Find a way to see the other and once resolved, their bodies gift all the things their minds never knew were needed.
But it wasn't them that broke their peace. That tackled their hearts with harsh moments.
As thriller bark found its hand, Nami had wished for nothing more than Zoro. Him to hold her, him to touch her and remind her how beautiful and perfect emotions can feel like. She wanted to tell him about all her heart had suffered and her mind tried to run away from only to find him unconscious. Her eyes wander over his motionless body. Barely breathing. Barely surviving.
As the others have fallen asleep, she decides to lay next to him. Her head next to his shoulder, her lips kissing the small pieces of skin and her hand holding his tight. She needed him.
Needed him to dry her tears.
Needed him to tell her, he stays alive.
Needed him to be with her.
And in the darkness of the night, she whispered her pain to him. In small notes, she shared her trauma with the only one who knows about all of her. The one, she already had shared so many tears and words about her time with Arlong. The one that even has healed those wounds of her broken heart.
The one that probably hears every scattered word of her voice. And on the third night, when Nami almost was too tired of her own tears, she feels him. His body move, his hand cradling her neck and pushing her body right into his.
The moment he finally gained enough power to move again, he uses it to finally do what his heart wanted since the moment she laid next to him.
"You are so strong.", he whispers and she tries not to push into his wounds, but she needs him closer. Needed his words.
"You shouldn't have gone through that…", and her heart soaks in his deep voice.
"But you survived… again. You are just too strong."
Her eyes fall against his skin and she knows in that moment, that she loves him. Loves the way he looks at her, the way he perceives her. The way he talks about, to her. With her.
She loves the way his skin feels against her. The way his touches don't feel disgusting or hurtful or wrong, but warm, safe and so soft. So right. She loves him.
She loves his need to heal her, to hold her, while his body is still broken by his own choices. Choices that saved them. All of them, because of him.
She loves him.
"Zoro…" she whispers so weakly against his skin, that she almost wants punch herself, but his lips heal her heart again. He slides his hand on her neckline, guiding her lips against his and all seems right. All seems perfect once again.
But this time she knows it will not hold. She knows it, the moment, he pulls back, his face frowning in pain. He is hurt.
And he tells her. Not about the act or why his body seems too pained, but why his mentality shatters.
He tells her about his fear, about how weak he feels. How powerless he has become. And she lets him speak his hate to himself, allows him to be harsh and despiteful against his limits. Just to wait for the moment, he is willing to listen. The moment, she feels her words will find a space in his heart. Then she shares in soft touches, in small kisses how it is not on him alone. That they will find a way, because they are all willing to get Luffy where he deserves to be. That he is the strongest of them all, that his heart deserves a rest and his blame does not exist. Because he tries harder than any of them.
And while his body is too weak, she guides them both into each other. Watching his warm eyes on her, as she shows him how good he feels. How good he is to her. For her. Her hands on his chest, when her hips move over him, his eyes wandering over her body as its circles and lift. To fall down on him again, his hands grabbing deep into her hip, motion them further and her lips part in a pleasant moan.
She needed him to heal her.
And he did. When letting her take all he has to offer.
But they both know that this will break. Again.
Their kisses so much heavier, so much darker. Trying to fill all the wholes that are awaiting for them. And yet, Nami's heart breaks bitter again, when he is taken from them. When Nami's pain only worse when seeing their captain fall apart by the loss of the man that had been with him since day one. The one that saved his life and dream so many times.
Two years.
Without him next to her, but constantly on her mind. A reminder of waits for her. Of what all of this is for.
In hopes, that he is not breaking on his hatred to himself. But that her words will remind him that he is more. He can be more.
And he became so much more.
When they finally meet again, her heart can't hold it and she jumps into his laughing arms right in front of Rayleigh, Shaki and Franky, who had been greeted in the same manner a minute ago.
Her arms hold him close and she feels him enwrapping her just as tight.
"I can't believe you found your way here.", she giggles and looks up, he frowns amused. "Doubt about my navigation skill?"
She laughs. "What navigation skills?", and he pats her weakly against her arm as being offended. She laughs against his chest. "You are so much bigger.", she hums and he puts his arms again around her. "Well, I trained a lot."
She just chuckles. He seems so in loss of words. But she knows it is because they are not alone. So, she releases him, let him be the strong, cold-hearted swordsman that only cares in silence.
"What can we do while wait for the other?", she turns around to the others and Shaki shares some options with them, most of them.
She sits down on the bar, him falling next to her and as they settle for a simple walk around the island, Franky drags them into a bar full of music. A couple of drinks in, their talks turn from heavy memories of the two years to lighter ones, the ones that made them laugh. The ones that were just funny and stupid.
"You had no alcohol for two year?", Franky still says astounded swinging his half full glass of liquor.
"Don't remind me constantly on it.", he grumbles and takes a long sip. "Ah, so good.", he grins and Nami laughs. "Our swordsman without his liquor sounds strange indeed."
Zoro grins slightly, when Franky jumps up.
"It is time for super dance!", his hips turn and move, Nami watching the unfit moves of their shipwright.
"I thought cutting alcohol shorter would be better for my health. My strength."
Nami turns to Zoro, whose eyes still linger on Franky.
He still feels comfortable with her. Safe with her to hear his thoughts. "Yeah. Alcohol didn't taste the same.", she agrees. "You changed a lot, right?"
Zoro smiles slightly and his eyes fall on her. "I do have new habits. I figured, I am only the strongest, if my body is the healthiest."
"Chopper will love to hear that.", she grins and he laughs.
"Bandages are still annoying and training still needs to be done constantly.", he says stern and Nami smiles at a little bit familiarity.
"We really motivate you.", she whispers and their eyes meet.
"You do."
You.
Nami smiles softly and her fingers slide into his. "Let us dance.", she says and pulls him off. Right to Franky and the other, following the music. This moment felt blissed. Light and like a promise.
As she moves around the melody and its harsh rhythm, it is Franky who pokes at her side and nods his head to their swordsman. The stoic sharp man that moved in rough but perfectly accentuated movements right on the beat. Each muscles in synch with the rhythm and her breath catches. She knew he had control over his body. She knew he probably was even better creating agility into his motions, but she did not expect to ever find it of use outside of his fight – or their private moments. But here on the dancefloor, his body flew in the melody of the music, his eye closed and just as her dwelling in this light moment of perfection.
"He is beautiful.", she whispers and ignores Franky's stunned laugh. She ignores all of it. All the noise, the shouts of admiration thrown at the man owning the room. Ignoring all the other people falling for the one, who still holds her heart.
She walks right into his space, grabbing into his neck and watching his eye open for a split moment, as his body moves with her, before she pushes herself up and closes the gap to kiss him.
His arms coming around her and his lips responding so deliciously on hers. He tastes still so sweet, so warm and so deep.
Her fingers trailing into his longer hair and the other disappear in his yukata, tracing the new muscles her hands need to learn. Yet, his body feels so familiar and while being so new.
"Oi!", Franky's voice only catches them, when their lips part and their eyes meet. They feel his pull, moving them away from the dance floor back to their bench.
"You can't just do that without a warning!", Franky complains and bumps both their heads. "One needs to be prepared for romance."
Nami and Zoro laugh at their friend's devastation, their bodies falling against each other.
"I thought my compliment was a warning.", Nami says in a smirk, ignoring the raised brow of Zoro's.
"Not enough!", Franky shouts and the night falls back into light laughers, while the two let their fingers move over each other, intertwined and softly squeezing on each other.
When they walk back and Franky sings old melodies, their hands hold onto each other.
"Do you think the others will take long?", Nami's thumb strokes over his.
"Luffy will.", he replies and watches Franky move around.
Nami chuckles at the truth of his statement. "How he will be…"
"Better…", Zoro considers his words longer. "Hopefully we can help him heal."
Nami smiles and leans onto his arm. "Surely we will.", her face looks up, meeting his eye.
Her fingers slip over his new scar. "Another sacrifice.", she whispers against him and he takes her hand in his. "Don't consider it that.", he kisses her hand and pulls her fully into his arms. She smiles against him, it was rare for him being the one reaching out in so much need to her. He would normally be so much more subtle. A little stroke over her palm or at most a kiss on top of her head, but he barely pulled her with full strength against his chest, putting his arms so strong against her, right on her lower back, the other combing deep into her hair. And she feels his heartbeat against her cheek.
"I had a feeling, you would be first.", Nami whispered. "That's why I came as early as possible too…", she confesses against him and his fingers stroke her so softly.
"I hoped you would."
Her eyes look up to him.
"I hoped we have time to get to know each other… again." And at this Nami smiles again. He was so wonderfully romantic in his own way that was just the way she needed it.
"I like that.", she watches his head dipping down to her. Her eyes taking all of him in, how her memory and fantasy held not truth to how beautiful he is. He has become.
Her hand slowly touches along his jaw and when their lips finally meet again, Nami knows that those two years have only made it clear how Zoro is everything her heart needed to be safe, to be comfortable.
The days of just of them pass quicker and they lost themselves in hours of talks, random walks, for Nami to collect all the data she needed of the island to be added to her maps and at times Nami feels like they are just a normal couple on dates. On which they would picknick and dwell in holds on the other, but most of their time was consumed by words of all the time they have once again lived without the other.
Their time brutally finds its end, in spite of not all words were able to be spoken. Though enough little instance were given for them to be assured that the bond between them deserves and desires them to dwell on it. As they try to get back to the life on the ship, Nami would often find a way to drag the swordsman into her bed or cuddling herself into his tight bunkbed, making him laugh at her grumbling attempt in crawling onto him. He just watched her desperately pushing herself up. "Why are you sleeping on the middle one? You monster of muscles could smash Usopp.", she complains and falls right onto his chest.
He laughs with closed eyes. "Chopper likes to fall down on my chest during his sleep and Usopp fears to fall out of the bed during his sleep."
Nami grumbles again. "Idiots.", she pulls his blanket over herself. "How about helping me?"
"Nah, enjoying your struggle too much.", at this he receives a bump against his chest, only causing him to chuckle more.
"And this is why, we sleep in my bed.", Nami comments annoyed at the little space, just to feel him finally move, putting her down the mattress and him leaning over her, taking her entire vision.
"Never thought, you would ever lie in my bed.", he smiles at her, another useless bump against his stern chest.
Her cheeks already tinted and affected by the way his fire burns down to her. "But you lying in mine was one?", she counters in a grin, which disappears when his face leans closer, his hand sliding below her skirt. She breathes in when her mind only feels his fingers glide over her skin, touch her so deliciously.
"Hm… it was one, once I started to think of you… differently.", he growls and his lips kiss along her neck, that she willingly exposed more to him.
"Differently. You mean sensually?", her breath stops and she inhales sharp, when his fingers stimulate her so casually, softly.
"Zoro…", she hums and turns, meeting his lips.
"Hm…", he sounds almost innocent, if it wouldn't be for the grin that taste just too sweet against her lips.
"I did think of you having me in your bed…" and Nami knows that for that he will once again show her how untruthful her fantasies are against his true savouring nature.
Though, after that they still settled for most places outside of the male's quarters. As the males would just run right into the room- it is theirs after all. Nami trying to hide her body against the swordsman, torturing him with her never ending explorations over his muscles, while he tried to hold the nonchalant conversation Usopp, Luffy and Franky had started with him once entering the room and thereby cutting the kiss following Nami's and Zoro's post merging moment short. At least on his side. Nami kept placing soft kisses against his chest right in front of her, which he used to fully cover her and push her into the mattress. Her hands tracing all his enchanting scars, making him shiver and curse under his breath. Oh, she loved to tease him.
"Okay, I take a pee.", he grumbles dark and jumps of his bunk bed, covering her with his blanket, catching her giggling face before he moves out with the others and Nami slowly dugs herself out too. Her eyes scan the room shortly and as her grin grows, she made another decision.
"Nami.", despite her having heard his voice saying her name so many times by now, she still feels her body tingling over his deep tone.
Her smile grows on her lips and she looks up from her map.
"Dinner is ready soon.", he adds but steps inside the room, taking in all the new drawings of her. She had time in the two years to catch up on all the maps she had been behind. Working now on the one of punk Hazard. Her eyes follow his movements. He has grown.
She kept thinking about that. How much more Zoro there is.
He looks too big for this room. And yet… he fits perfectly in here. She stands and steps behind him, her arms wrapping around his torso, barely manage to encircle him properly.
"I missed you.", her lips part as she had just wanted to say exactly the same. As she needed him to know how often he had been on her mind.
"I still think about you.", she whispers and his body vibrates under her. He chuckles.
His body slowly turns in her arms and she looks up at him, his one eye falling warm on her face.
"Me too.", and he leans down, catching her lips firmly but soft. And her heart knows she wants to feel all of this much more Zoro. Her hands slide into his Yukata and pulls him against her. Requesting more of his body to be on hers and he provides. He touches her so much deeper and yet softer. He takes his time to taste her, to remember how perfect she belongs against him.
She had missed him even more. Even more when he reminded her how good he feels. How good he listens to her heart. How good he knows how to hold her, how good he reaches her mind with his warm words.
"Did I hurt you?", he whispers and softly strokes over her cheeks as her tears have slipped out. She shakes her head and he seems to grab the true meaning of her emotions, but she needs to say it nonetheless. She needs to hear it herself.
"You could never…", she whispers and kisses his fingers. "I just realised again…", her eyes wander over his face, that watches her so carefully.
"You are everything I need… everything I want." And her heart heats and feeds on her own confession.
"Nami…", his voice playing another melody on her and she takes it away from him, merging her lips with his. She does not need his words right now. She needs him to only take hers.
And so he does, while his body shows her how much he is in need of her too.
It is only when they find each other after Wano, that she finally lets him speak his heart. When their bodies have dwelled in heated motions and merges on each other, their lips break.
Nami pulls the blanket of her bed over them. As they were the only ones on the sunny, while the rest stayed on the beach. But they found each other on the lawn, danced under the moon and talked about their fights, before their bodies craved for more and guided them into the bed of Nami's.
Her body leaning over his as she struggles to get the sheet in a quick motion over his broad shoulder, her lips pout and her fingers slide finally over his neck, when she gets him covered. Her eyes wandering back to his face and…
"I love you."
Her eyes fall on his lips. He said it.
"I love you, Nami."
Her eyes glance up to his.
"I love you.", he whispers again and her body trembles. How can something feel so heavy when she already knew?
"You know, right?", his voice is so soft. His fingers on her cheeks.
"Of course, I do.", she replies in similar small tone. Of course, she knew. He loved her. He always did. Just as her.
"I love you, Nami.", he does not say it to her, he says to himself. For himself.
"Nami…", her lips fall onto his. A small touch. Not more than a brush.
"I always did.", he whispers against her. "I loved you. And I still do.", his fingers lead her head again closer, their lips touching. This time longer, stronger and following a deeper touch. A kiss as deep as their confessions to reach their hearts.
Nami knows.
And she knows so does he.
"Good morning.", Nami stretches herself and enters the full galley, that loudly discusses their rout to Law after having heard the news of his crew failure against Blackbeard, feeding Luffy's anger even more.
She had just checked the course and her feet drag her right to the bench, her hand falling onto the swordsman's neck as using it to get her self seated down, his face staying turned to Jinbei as they discuss parts of the sea.
"Uhm, Nami.", Franky's voice on the opposite side of the table reaches her.
"We are still on course.", she answers in assumption of the question.
"Good, but not what I… is that Zoro's shirt?", he says instead and points at the big white shirt that barely clings onto her shoulder, that is half tucked in her black shorts.
His words gaining the attention of the owner of the clothing, turning around and facing her finally. His eye widens in surprise.
"Yep.", Nami grins bright.
"Did you steal that from my locker?", he asks and pushes his shirt over her exposed shoulder just to instead opening up more of her cleavage, he growls and pulls it back.
She chuckles at his attempt to hide her, or more precisely the marks he had left on her. "Yeah, you have no use of it anyways. It's way too small for you.", she grins and takes a sip of her coffee.
"Well, it is obviously too big for you.", he comments and his eyes slide down. Her back shivers. He never let his eyes wander over her in front of the others. Only when it was the two of them, she saw how much he likes her appearance, how fallen he is for her physics just as her for his.
"But it suits me. And you have not even noticed it was gone for weeks.", she grins as she starts eating, feeling his eyes still on her, his fingers on the hem of his shirt where it tugs right into her short black pants.
And she meets the familiar spark in his eyes. He wants to touch her, kiss her…
"You thief.", he growls too softly.
"Wait, did you stole our stuff too?", Luffy shouts offended over the table, while stuffing his mouth.
"Nope, only his.", she grins and leans closer to him, tempting him further.
"I have been sleeping in it for weeks now.", she adds and Franky chokes, Sanji trying to rambles something about offering his clothes, but she ignores it, just focuses on how this shirt on her seems to affect her partner in a way she had not expected.
"You like it…on me?", she grins in his face, watching his eyes sliding over her again, his hand following her outline and feeding her.
He nods weakly.
"Mosshead, stop staring!", Sanji shouts offended and receives a strong punch from no other than Robin. "Hypocritically statement, mister pervert-cook.", she adds and watches the couple once again.
"I can't believe that this suited you once, Zoro.", Robin supplies in a laugh as she eats the rest of her plate.
Nami agrees and pulls on the hem. "It is not even that big on me.", she pouts almost as she complains about the lack of bagginess.
Zoro finally chuckles at that and leans down onto her shoulder. "You are such a tease.", he mumbles against her.
She grins and her fingers wander over his jawline into his neck. "Didn't expect to be of so much liking."
"You wearing my shirt as it just belongs to you-"
"Which it does."
"Which it does.", he smiles and places a soft kiss on her neck. "I can get you some other. Some that would probably give you more space."
She hums happily against him.
"You have to pay for them though.", he adds in a grin and pulls away.
She laughs at him. "Never thought, I would become your sugar mommy."
"Really? That was an obvious turn of events.", he states in a grin, before she pulls him down and kisses him delightful.
Neither of them paying attention to the others, that witness for the first time what the both have been hiding for so many years from the rest of the crew.
Well, hiding might be a bit exaggerated.
Considering that Usopp listened to all of it over and over again from her, but he has never seen it. Not even the little moments. Not even the ones that would tell him that Nami had not created an image of the swordsman that probably is not true, just to find himself finally getting a glimpse of what he had missed out.
Just as unfazed as Robin, who had however been witnessing the two way to many times, as she would wake with them cuddled in one bed, just to squeeze herself in when she had one of her heavier days and both would always hold her just as tight. She saw all the little signs, all the moments they would disappear in their space and their touches turned from small caring ones to deep emotional ones. Along with Zoro and her growing into an even closer relationship in which, he would even tell her what his heart hold for their navigator.
Chopper was another familiar member of their affection. As he had started a fight with the navigator for stealing his pillow for too many nights, just too agree that he would be allowed on a couple of days to crawl into their bed and lay on his favourite sleeping chest. The swordsman had barely ever felt more cared for than watching the two of them fighting over who has more right to be hold by him.
The rest of the crew realised quickly though that despite the display being of news, it fit with the way the two members had been belonging to each other. Jinbei just chuckling, while Franky, who since their reunion had been a secret keeper and trying to have them confess or stumble for their secret, just for the two most collected members – aside of Robin – to never falter and remain calm while explaining situations that would have exposed them so much earlier.
And their captain? Well, he knew. And he knows that both of them were fully aware that he had followed their love along the entire way. It was a silent common knowledge.
As their conversation slowly slips back to the matter at hands concerning Law's rescue and revenge, Nami would snuggle herself more into the lap of the man that had grown into the most comfortable spot her heart has ever been. While his hand would stroke softly over her back and providing a strategy on their approach.
It would be those moments, Nami will look back on.
Nami does look back on.
Lying on her back, the swordman on her side, sleeping on his side, his arm over her, the other under his head serving them as pillow. Her fingers strive over his arm, when the small noise reaches her ears. But as per usual, she had not time to react, but Zoro already twitched and moved. Removing himself from her, standing and walking to the little crib.
"Hey little one.", his voice drunk in sleep and she watches him taking out their newest tiniest crew member. A couple of days old, squeaking into the arms of the man that looks at them in full love. She had never been the one to care for either of their little ones during the nights. It was always him to jump out of bed and be there for them, to hold them, feed them, sing them to sleep. As she learned his voice is even skilled at that.
"Mum, dad!", the hatch opens and their other young little one runs to them. "I knew he woke!", the girl runs to her father and performs the most astounishing climb over his muscles to place herself on his shoulder just as her uncle Chopper still does.
Nami chuckles and all three look over to her.
"Mum! Luf-duf is eating all the breakfast again! Auntie tries to save some for you, but she almost fell into the water, so Chop-doc jumped into it, followed by Brone and-", Nami just laughs before their little one can end the story of the morning. As things have not changes at all.
Zoro walks to her and seats himself on her bedside, as she sits up. "Let me feed him and you get us whatever Robin was able to safe.", Nami smiles, kissing his already leaning lips and taking the little bundle out of hands, a small cry escaping before smiling at his mum's face.
"Anything else I can get you?", he looks caring at her, his finger still in tight hold of the little one he just placed in her arms. "Just food... and you guys.", Nami whispers and steals another small kiss from his smiling lips.
"Dad, let's got!", the little girl pulling on him, while also leaning down to her mum and gifting her a good morning kiss.
"I navigate you!", she assures, making her dad laugh, while he gets to stand and Nami watches them disappear.
Nami loves to let her memory take her back to all the moments that got her here. In the crow nest of the thousand sunny as the navigator of the strawhat pirates, the crew of the pirate king and the partner of the world's best swordman. After so many years, the crew still ships over the seas. Exploring the islands and once Nami felt her selfishness allowing to share the love of the swordsman, she asked him if he would mind if her heart also belongs to someone aside from him.
He had smiled at her in the sweetest way she could recall, when he had kissed her and she fell once again into full comfort of the heated fire their bodies created.
Nami knew from the moment Zoro had decided to stay with her that one wonderful night before they entered the grand line, that it will be always him on her side.
Just as they still find each other in the early morning hours. Her eyes scanning the dark sky and its little lights right above her from the glass ceiling of the crow nest, that had become their private room full of drawings of their kids and the heavy weights of their father. It became the home Nami always retreated to. Because here were his arms waiting for her. Holding her right against her back, his breath even on her neck, his arm warm on her waist. She drinks all of it every morning.
She feels him shift and knows he awakes, as her fingers slide over his arm, greeting him. He pulls her tighter and his lips fall behind her ear.
"Good morning.", he hums and she smiles in delight of his tasteful voice. Gosh, who could blame her to jump him most of them?
"Morning.", she turns slightly to her back, to look up on him. He smiles down and she invites his lips right on her. Her hand slides on his neckline and her feelings fall in full pleasure of him on her again.
"I love you.", she whispers and he chuckles. "What a cute confession in the morning.", he grins and kisses her neck again. She closes her eyes in a smile.
"Zoro…"
"Hm?"
Her mind slipping away on his presence his never-ending effect on all of her. She hums and his movements stop, he lifts himself over her. Her eyes meet his.
A moment of the past running into their minds. The one when they became them.
Her heart asking the question that never really found existence until right now.
"Why did you stay back then?"
"For the same reason, you asked.", he answers so much quicker as he had known he would need to find those words.
She grumbles at his cryptic words. "I don't know why I did ask."
He grins softly at her. "You did.", he moves them, placing himself between her legs and pushing himself on his elbow, stroking her short hair off her face. It gave so much more space to her beautiful face. Her honey eyes that never had stopped to look so fully of love at him. His other hand falling down her night shirt- once his of course, after he had worn it in for her, she had stolen it. Claimed it. Just as she did with his heart.
"You asked because you wanted more time with me. And so did I. Always did… still do.", he whispers and she breathes against his lips, biting her own while her eyes flicker at the sensation of his touch.
"Zoro…"
"Nami.", he replies in a small breath against her lips, she lifts hers closer to touch him again, her hands massaging his muscles on his arm that still wanders so teasingly over her skin.
"Let us enjoy this together a bit longer."
Note:
Thank you very much for reading and maybe even enjoy those randoms moments that kept running in my head as a possible story of their love.
Sorry for all the very likely many mistakes, I try to edit it but please bear with me and I hope it does not take away too much from the flow.
Also I hope it was not a waste of your time and wishing all of you the best x