"May I have this dance?" Naia held her hand out toward the red-haired captain. He stared at her hand for a moment before dismissing her.
"Go ask your singing partner."
"He's currently entertaining everyone else and I'd rather entertain you," Naia tried.
"Could've fooled me." Naia frowned at his insistence.
"Are you… jealous?"
"J-jealous? Why would I be jealous?" Shanks stuttered.
"It's written all over your face," Naia laughed, grabbing the man's hand. She pulled on his hand, trying to get him to stand but Shanks resisted. "We sing together that's it!"
"I didn't even know you knew him! What other secrets are you keeping from me?"
"You never asked if I knew any other pirates! The Whitebeard crew is nice and occasionally gives me a safe passage between jobs." Naia rolled her eyes. "It was during one of their parties that we began to sing together. Since then it has been my payment for each time I ask for passage."
"A likely story!" Shanks pointed an accusatory finger at her.
"Quit being such a killjoy!" Naia tugged harshly, causing the man to stumble into her arms. She smiled as she began to lead the man into a slow dance. Shanks stiffly followed her movements, letting her control how they danced. Snow began to lightly float down to the ground but the air was warm with the fires continuing to rage. Naia couldn't help but smile happily. This really was like something out of a fairy tale.
"Let's cozy on up our fireplace. And dim those Christmas lights. So please just fall in love with me this Christmas. There's nothing else that you would need this Christmas. Won't be wrapped under the tree, want something that lasts forever. So kiss me on this cold December night."
"Are you regretting staying?" Naia couldn't help but let a little bit of disappointment coat her voice. Her grip on the captain's hand loosened and depending on his answer she would most likely leave well enough alone.
"No, I was just unprepared for your relationship with the first division commander," Shanks sheepishly explained, keeping hold of Naia's hand. Naia smiled understandingly but warmth filled her chest when he started to actually dance with her. Shanks returned her smile as he spun her around. His hand felt warm on her back as the cool air caressed her legs when her skirt flared out.
"They call it the season of giving. I'm here, yours for the taking. They call it the season of giving. I'm here, I'm yours. Just fall in love with me this Christmas. There's nothing else that we would need this Christmas. Won't be wrapped under the tree, want something that lasts forever. Cause I don't wanna be alone tonight. I'm wearin' our Christmas sweater." The music began to dwindle down as the song.
"While talking to the mistletoe tonight. I want something that lasts forever. So kiss me on this cold December night. They call it the season of giving. I'm here, yours for the taking. They call it the season of giving. I'm here I'm yours." Naia let out a light giggle when Shanks dipped her down. The sight of a plant hanging off a branch above them caught her eye.
"Looks like we've been caught," Naia whispered, pointing up at the mistletoe above them.
"So we have," Shanks chuckled, bringing her closer. The world seemed to disappear when his lips brushed against hers. They were chapped but oh so warm. Naia practically melted into him, letting him take control. It felt like hours they stayed molded together, their lips brushing against each other. It was a simple kiss in reality but it held such meaning to both of them, you could practically feel the world shift into place as their lips touched. As if what had been missing was finally found.
"Hu-hem!" Makino's voice interrupted. Naia jumped, a fierce blush covering her cheeks. "We were going to send the gifts off and you need to do your boat as well. It's nearing midnight."
"R-right! Thank you, Makino," Naia stuttered. "Thank you for the dance, Red."
"Let me help with the boat!" Shanks took a couple of long strides toward where the boat was propped. Ace, Sabo, and Luffy jumping at his feet, excited to see the final product. Benn and Shanks carried the boat out toward the port with Makino leading the way, talking amicably with Shanks. Naia cradled a handful of taper candles in her arms while the boys balanced gift bags in their hands. They had wanted to pitch in for a couple of gifts for Shanks and Benn as the men had made such an impact on their lives; although, she didn't know who the third bag was for. Maybe, Makino?
The boat was set in the shallow water and Naia set about placing the candles and offerings on the seats and around the boat. The cold water lapped at her feet but she could care less as the waves kissed her skin. The light snowfall continued to coat the boat and Naia could feel her hair begin to be weighed down as it damped with the snow melting in it. Naia focused on her task before her, ignoring the gift-giving happening behind her but the sound of Luffy's laughter brought her out of her head. Naia smiled as Shanks tightly hugged the boys, pulling the handmade necklace over his head.
"With open arms and open hearts, I bring you my gift." Naia lit the last candle before pushing the boat out into the water just far enough so that the tide carried it out. The boat glowed as the candles burned, and the water seemed to grab it and pull it further out.
"It's beautiful, Naia," Shanks breathed as she came to stand next to them.
"It is, isn't it?" Naia grinned as she watched the boat disappear, her eyes never leaving the horizon.
"Don't forget!" Luffy shoved a small box into her hand before taking off back toward the cabin with his brothers with Benn pulling Makino along. Naia stayed for a moment, her fingers caressing the wooden box.
"Merry Christmas, Red," Naia murmured, holding the box out to him.
"I didn't get you anything." Shanks' eyes widened as he carefully took the box.
"You didn't have to," Naia laughed, "This isn't much but I feel you would have more use for it than me."
"A compass? I'm no navigator." Shanks held the small cold compass up to the moonlight, taking in the craftsmanship. It was rather plain looking, nothing particularly stood out about it.
"It's not meant for traditional navigation." Naia held her hand out for it. "Legend goes that this compass only shows what your heart desires. No more no less."
"What does that mean?" Shanks scoffed. Naia rolled her eyes as she opened the compass up, holding it up to his face. "It's not pointing North! It's not pointing at anything!"
"It shows what you truly desire. Whether it be adventure or a particular item, it will show you the way," Naia recited, placing the compass into Shanks' palm. "Or so I've been told."
"My heart's desire," he echoed. The compass spun around seemingly aimless before pointing ahead of him. Naia flushed as the needle pointed at her. "It really does read your desires."
"I s-should get back to the boys," Naia stuttered, walking away from the man.
"Naia!" His hand was hot against her shoulder, setting tingles of fire through her nerves. Her lips tingled as she remembered the kiss they shared not too long ago. "Thank you."
"Merry Christmas, Red." Naia smiled. The pirate captain walked with her back to the cabin, wrapping his arm around her and letting his hand rest at the base of her neck. She shivered as he pulled her closer. The snow began to fall harder and Naia pulled her cloak closer to her body. By the time they made it back to the cabin, the fires were out, not even embers were left and all the pirates seemed to have made their way back to their ship to wherever they were staying. You could hear the boys giggling inside and Naia felt a warmth fill her chest.
"You really do throw the best parties," Shanks hummed, "They will be missed."
"Your parties will pale in comparison now," Naia joked.
"Aye, they will. Have a wonderful rest of your night." His lips ghosted against her cheek. Naia was sure her face was as red as a tomato and it wasn't from the cold; although, it probably didn't help. The man chuckled as he walked back toward his ship.
The boys were half asleep on the couch with the fireplace still roaring with life. Naia smiled as she pulled a blanket over the three of them.
"Naia," Luffy murmured, "Did you have a good Christmas?"
"Yes, Lu, it was wonderful." Naia pressed a light kiss to his forehead.
"Good, but you still have this." Ace pulled out a crumpled bag from between him and Sabo. The boys slowly sat up watching her closely as she held the small bag lightly in her hands. Her eyes looked at the present in wonder. It was a small brown bag with a few scraps of paper hiding what was inside.
"What's this?"
"Our gift to you," Sabo said, eyes glimmering with hope. "We hope you like it."
"If it's from you boys, I know I will." Naia carefully pulled the pieces of paper out of the bag, pulling out a long gold chain. It was a beautiful necklace with a blue pendant that glimmered in the light of the fire. The pendant glowed like Mother of Pearl but kept a bluish hue to it. It was truly beautiful.
"Boys, where did you get this?"
"I found the pendant washed up on the shore!" Luffy quipped.
"I found the chain in Grey Terminal," Ace muttered.
"I cleaned and polished it." Sabo grinned. Naia felt tears gather in her eyes as she slipped the necklace on. An overwhelming feeling of peace and love filled her body as the pendant glowed over her chest. It was home. She was home. The distinct sound of waves crashing and the lull of the water moving back and forth made her body feel weightless.
"You are the best boys a woman could ever want." Naia pulled them into a tight hug, a few tears slipping down her cheek.
"Shishishishi, come here," Luffy giggled, pulling her between Ace and himself. Naia slid herself between them, pulling the blanket to cover all of them. The boys cuddled into her with Luffy between her legs on her stomach and Ace and Sabo on either side of her. The house felt so warm and the air felt so light as they all were lulled to sleep. A snowstorm raged outside but it was as if the outside world didn't exist. Each one absorbing the feeling of having someone there for them. Naia was eternally grateful to Garp for allowing such an opportunity to happen.
A/N: Song: Cold December Night by Michael Buble.
Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Yule! And happy days to those who don't celebrate! May your days be filled with joy and happiness. Blessed Be!