The Going Merry was relatively spacious, but they still needed to share their living space. So, Nami and Brynlee shared what would normally have been the Captain's quarters, while the boys occupied about two-thirds of the space below-deck that would normally be used as the brig and cargo hold, but which had been outfitted with hammocks and other furniture to create a proper communal living space.
And since the girls had a room all to themselves, it meant Nami was free to use most of it as a working space to draw her maps. Unfortunately, with their days usually rather hectic, she could only work on them once night came. Thankfully, Brynlee wasn't much of a sleeper, so she wasn't bothered by her friend's flickering oil light, and simply settled for reading a book as she waited for Nami to finish.
"You know, I've been thinking about this, but shouldn't we start keeping a log of our journey?" suddenly said Nami, drawing her attention. "I mean, all great sailors left their own as legacy – it's only fitting we would too, right?"
"It would be a good idea," mused Brynlee, not really having thought of it. "Already so many incredible things happened, and our journey's barely started. It'd be a shame if we were to forget some of it."
"Right? But I'm way too busy to properly do it," sighed Nami. "Sanji's just as busy with his own duties, Usopp would only write… exaggerated and biased versions of the events, Zoro would write something bland like 'We fought this guy' then forget about it for five months, and I don't know if Luffy even knows how to write… And even if he did, I somehow doubt he'd have to patience or skill to do it properly—"
"You could have just asked me directly if you wanted me to do it," snorted Brynlee.
Nami shot her an apologetic smile. "Sorry. I don't want it to look like I'm just shoving that responsibility on you, I'd have asked someone else if I could—"
"No worries. A logbook is a good idea, and I certainly don't disagree with everything you've just said about our crewmates," she chuckled, leaving her book, and getting out of bed. "Do you have an empty notebook I can use?"
"Wait, right now? I didn't mean—you should rest, it's not that urgent—"
"Nami, you'll be up for at least another hour and a half," huffed Brynlee, pulling a chair to sit at the other end of the table Nami was using. "Might as well get started. I'm happy to do it, okay? Just don't judge my writing skills."
"What, are you telling me you never received advanced literary lessons in Arlong Park?" deadpanned Nami.
Brynlee threw an eraser at her head, and Nami laughed. She then grabbed one of the few notebooks lying nearby and handed it to her. Brynlee briefly studied the shiny, polished leather of the cover, and the pristine paper inside.
"I bought a few in Loguetown – figured they'd come in handy."
Brynlee couldn't help but crack a smile as she gazed down at what would become their crew's logbook – possibly the first of many, considering all of the crazy adventures they were about to undertake. It was clean and brand-new but, frankly, she looked forward to seeing its leather cracked and faded, and the pages yellowed and well-worn.
Now, how should this all begin…
"Ah, Zoro? It looks like there's a package for you."
Every week, the News Coos delivered a journal to Nami, despite the navigator grumbling about the rising prices. However, they were all quite surprised when, along with the weekly news, the bird had also delivered a mysterious package for the swordsman.
I didn't even know they offered delivery services…
Zoro grabbed the package – a small box wrapped in a simple, white paper – and examined it for a second, before sighing heavily and suddenly handing it over to Brynlee. The girl paused, genuinely confused, and the others around could only mirror her expression.
"… is it a bomb?"
"Just take it," huffed Zoro, now visibly annoyed.
Now a bit curious, Brynlee did as told. The package barely weighed anything. After a moment, under Zoro's insisting glare, she unwrapped the paper, revealing a plain, white box – and inside of the box was a piece of very familiar jewelry.
She gasped, immediately overcome with joy.
"You got me earrings!?"
Zoro groaned. "Don't cause a fuss about it."
"Don't cause—you got me earrings! Your earrings!"
"Stop making a scene, woman, or I'm sending them back!"
Brynlee immediately pulled the box to her chest in a protective manner. "No!"
"Wait, why did Zoro get Brynlee jewelry?" blinked Usopp. "Did I miss something?"
"I'm asking myself the same question," huffed Sanji.
Zoro appeared even more aggravated, if possible. "Look. Bryn and I made a bet back in Shells Town, and she won – that's it."
"I just asked for your jeweler—"
"The guy who made the earrings just happened to have opened up shop in Loguetown, and I somehow stumbled upon it. I figured I might as well place the order, since we probably wouldn't be around long enough for you to pick something out yourself." He sunk some more in his chair, clicking his tongue. "I was just honoring the bet we made. Stop making a big deal out of it."
"Hey! I want cool earrings too!" immediately said Luffy.
"You don't even have your ears pierced," snorted Nami.
"Doesn't matter! I want earrings so I can match with Zoro too!"
"I did not buy these so we could match, you rubbery moron—!"
As the others kept on teasing Zoro and poking at his rising annoyance, Brynlee gazed back at the three earrings in the box. She'd never expected Zoro to go out of his way to get them. Frankly, she'd forgotten about their bet. But… there was no denying that it made her happy.
She looked up, meeting Zoro's eyes for a moment, and offered him a bright smile. He scoffed, but there was no missing the smaller smile tugging at the corner of his lips, even as he turned around to start yelling at Luffy so their Captain would stop nagging him.
"Hey, Bryn?"
"What is it, Caps?"
"You know a lot of stuff, right? Like, the future?"
"Of sorts, yes. Is there something in particular you'd like to know?"
"Do you know where the One Piece is?"
"Nope."
A relieved grin graced Luffy's lips. "Good. It's no fun if you know everything."
"I have no intention of spoiling your fun, Luffy. What I know, I'll share if anyone asks. But unless I deem it important, I won't bother. But I need you to make me a promise."
"A promise?"
"If, one day, I absolutely insist on telling you something… it's because your life or someone else's is on the line. If that ever happens, I need you to promise that you'll listen to me before making a decision or taking action."
Luffy almost looked offended. "Of course I'll listen if it's that important! I trust you, Bryn. You'll know if I need to know."
Warmth engulfed Brynlee's heart, and she promptly reached out to pull Luffy into a hug. Her Captain laughed, hugging her back as his arms coiled three or four times around her waist to keep her close.
She'd truly found some incredible people to call her own.
Fun fact! It is twice as likely to get injured by a glass shower door exploding than it is to be struck by lightning. And guess who got this stupidly "lucky"? Yup, your girl right here.
Was taking a shower. Door exploded. Got my first ambulance ride, 10/10 would ride again (I'm Canadian so it will NOT cost me a liver, thank God). I'm OKAY now, but I couldn't really write or use my arm much for a couple of days xD So yeah, sorry for the late update, I guess?
Anyways I hope you guys enjoy these little moments, because I very much enjoy writing them.
Catch y'all later!