evilishei

[evilishei]

Of course I’m cropping and sharing them. Like hello? They always served. Plus for Zoro’s expression because how in the world can you make that expression look hot?

[evilishei]

Kindly tell me where I will look because WHY THE HELL ARE THEY LOOKING ALL SO HOT HERE???

[evilishei]

My other power couple. Yup! Always liked their quiet intimacy back when they are introduced in Sabaody. And seeing them like this, is a lot of fun.

And… it’s kinda hard not to connect the dots because I heard those lines delivery before… my fellow shippers KNOW!

[evilishei]

If you miss ZoNa, here ya go.

Little Bits and Pieces of Heaven

THIRTY-SIX DESIRES

One-shot #: 43

Disclaimer: One Piece (and its characters) belongs to Eiichiro Oda-sensei.

Reminder: I have no beta-reader. Any grammatical and spelling errors are solely mine.

Warning: OOC possible. One shot.

Rating: T

Note: I randomly stumbled on a YouTube clip from Heart of Gold special episode where Zoro was fighting the archer woman Naomi and he started reciting a sort of mantra before launching his San‑juu‑roku Pound Hou attack. He sounds amazing! His voice (Kazukya Nakai’s to be exact) is just too good. And of course I thought what if…

I might’ve tweaked it a bit to fit since I can’t decide which translation to use. But in case you want to see and hear what I’m talking about just search it in YouTube. He also used the same chant and attack against Braham in Skypiea. So I suggest checking both.

On a side note, I do think Zoro would do calligraphy. Mental fortitude, discipline, control… you name it. I mean looked at the signature he gave Bartolomeo. It might be simple but we can consider the strokes right? It’s like the way he slashes.

Summary: “Read that for me again Zoro.”

They had inadvertently stumbled upon an old, dilapidated structure... discreetly hidden in the midst of thick-trunked trees, in a somewhat sunken area of the forest, right in the middle of nowhere.

It was not what Nami was searching for when they started this hike. Heck, she wasn’t really expecting anything at all. The island where they’re at looked uninhabited from the get go—with strong signs of it being abandoned, most likely some decades ago.

She just wanted to explore the place—more to study the area’s layout instead of actually scouring it for any kind of treasure (because it looks like no matter how hard she searches or where... there is none), so she can create a map of it later.

Besides, the crew were immediately hyped up with the idea of adventure that she didn’t need to coerce anyone into accompanying her. Like anything could stop their rubbery captain from venturing into the wild and unknown when he was already jumping up and down the Sunny’s railing, chanting bento boxes loudly and calling out their names so they can finally head out.

After ten minutes of trekking along the dense forest trail Robin had spotted underneath all the foliage growing everywhere... they all got separated.

Much to Nami’s consternation.

But she wasn’t all that worried. Well... just slightly, just a bit... as there weren’t any threatening creatures or presence lurking anywhere in the somehow darkened recesses of the forest.

Because if there is, she was downright sure Luffy and Zoro would be eagerly heading to its direction instead of dawdling about.

Plus, she would definitely hear Usopp shouting for dear life wherever he is in this forest, if danger were to appear. And Sanji-kun will definitely be yelling her name and Robin’s while kicking down and igniting the trees in surrounding area.

To her surprise and relief, everything was just calm... silent even. Except for the random cries of birds overheard.

So she just shrugged her shoulders, adjusted her backpack and continued to march forward, following the heavy footsteps of the green-haired man before her.

Right before the crew got separated earlier, she was just in the process of reaching out to grab Zoro by his wrist to stop him from wandering away lest HE disappeared on them.

It only took a minute, of the two of them shifting their attention off the others and engaging in their usual argument about how he is hopelessly directionless before they realized they were... alone.

And not a single one of their crewmates were in sight.

Nami groaned at that, her fingers tightening around Zoro’s wrist instinctively as her brain processed the thought that maybe something strange was at work and was the cause of her nakamas disappearance. Zoro, however, just shrugged and started walking towards a random direction, pulling Nami with him and almost making her stumble.

She hit him on the shoulder even as she relaxed. If Zoro was going to nonchalantly continue strolling along this forest then by all means it was safe to assume that they are nowhere near any danger.

For now. Nami thought as she released her grip on him before instructing the swordsman to walk in front of her so she could keep an eye on his stupid ass (literally, figuratively). He scowled in answer even as he relented and obeyed, that it had her rolling her eyes behind his back.

They were walking for a good half an hour, plodding up a few inclines that made Nami breathless every time and made Zoro smirk condescendingly as she caught her breath, looking all smug like she deserves it.

She retaliated with a smack on the back of his head as she walked past by him, muttering a reminder to him not to get stupidly lost.  

Another half an hour found them trekking downward along a rather treacherous slope. One wrong move would send either one of them tumbling down the rough terrain and onto the path traversing below.

This time Zoro neither smirk nor snorted as they carefully and slowly made their way down, his hand just a grasp away from her, silently guiding and ever-alert in case her foot slip.

And when it did, Nami yelped. And Zoro’s hand automatically grabbed hers... tightly. His monstrous strength and unbelievable dexterity made it easy for him to stop her momentum and to pull her back almost to the point of actually lifting her up to steady her.

A bit heady and with heart beating twice as fast, Nami just nodded dumbly when he asked her if she was alright.

She managed to mutter a soft ‘thanks’ before they resume their descent—more slowly and cautiously this time—with Zoro watching her like hawk, his hand never letting go of hers.

The moment they almost reached the end of the slope, he wordlessly wrapped his arm around her waist, tugging her to him and lifting her off her feet as he jumped the last remaining feet. Nami let out a squeak when they landed on what looked like a long- forgotten foot path.

And that’s when they saw it.

Nami was surprised to see a still crumbling edifice in the area. She was pretty sure there was no structure remaining anywhere as the island’s forest seemed to have taken over any remnants of dwellings that once existed in that place.

She disentangled herself from his arm, trying to straighten her crumpled clothes as Zoro pondered out loud.

“A house...?” His lone eye studied the wooden structure a few feet away from them. Then he scanned the whole area, observing and gauging for any immediate threat or danger of sorts.

“Hmm?” Nami stared at him curiously before her gaze riveted back to what was before her.

She took in the familiarity of what she was seeing. It was indeed mostly made of wood; with tiled roof curving upwards, deep eaves and elevated floors. 

“It looks like some of the houses in Wano,” she murmured. Of course, she had seen a lot like this back in the samurais’ country, thus the familiarity.

Zoro tilted his head slightly like he was thinking. “Hnnn... seems like whatever this is, it is somehow related to Wano.”

Nami nodded in agreement. It is possible that a group of people sailed from Wano Kuni, ended up on this island, settled and established their own community. That’s how most villages started after all, how cities and countries flourished.

“Think it’s safe to take a look inside?” The navigator inquired, looking at the green-haired man for affirmation. She will not be the first one to walk in and explore an unknown area, nuh-uh. Especially a run-down one that looked like it’ll crumble into pieces anytime soon.

Zoro grunted. “The only thing we have to worry about is if the rickety wooden floors can handle our weight.”

Nami growled immediately, taking offense and turned to to face him. “Excuse me?!” She said indignantly, placing both of her hands on her hips. “I’m pretty sure I’m not the heavy one here!”

Zoro just smirked at her and Nami knows she’s not gonna like whatever was going to come out of that stupid mouth of his.

“Broke a sweat when I lifted you earlier.”

“Why you!!!”

He easily evaded her punch, his hand completely enclosing her whole fist as he caught it effortlessly, as if reminding her of the massive difference between them physically-wise and reflex-wise.

The swordsman was looking all smug again that Nami was actually contemplating on hitting his face with her head. But she restrained herself, because knowing how thick his stupid skull is, that would absolutely hurt her.

Plus she wasn’t that crazy.

Zoro then easily twisted her in his grip, one arm wrapping around her waist again. She cursed out loud when he unceremoniously lifted her off the ground, tucking her snugly on his waist, like he was lifting a sack of potatoes.

“Zoro!”

“Come on let’s go and check.”

“I hate you,” she griped, yet she didn’t even try to wiggle out of his hold as he started walking.

“Yeah I know,” he barely glanced at her as he approached what Nami decided was a house, until proven otherwise. As they got nearer, the orange-haired woman’s eyes widened slightly as she took it all in up close.

The structure loomed above them and it looked downright foreboding. And it seemed like the whole vicinity were cloaked in shadows, the daylight unable to penetrate the thick leaves of the trees fully, unlike back in the foot path where patches of the sunlight randomly dappled ground.

Even the air around them was different. Colder. Everything appears to be ominous.

She squirmed a bit under Zoro’s arm. And he looked down at her.

“Scared?”

Her eyes met his. And Nami saw a glimmer of laughter (at her expense) in that grey orb.

Frowning, she instead huffed. “Whatever fucking happens do not drop me!”

“I’m dreading to think of what will happen if I do,” the tall man drawled.

“I’m serious,” she said with a glare at him. “I’ll be vengeful.”

Zoro just let out a short laugh even as his hold around her tightened. “I know.”

“Zoro!”

“I know alright?” He repeated, his tone dropping a tad lower as glanced down at her again, this time with a more serious look in his eye. Yet there was a hint of that not-easy-to-catch softness in both his tone and look.

And Nami knew he’s not going to let go of her no matter what happens.

Good. Or there’ll be hell to pay.

The dried leaves crunched under Zoro’s boots as he took a step closer, with Nami still tucked under his arm, brows furrowing in scrutiny.

“It’s a house then,” he finally muttered after a few seconds of silence. He angled his head to the right to peer somewhere past it that Nami couldn’t see. “And it goes all the way to the back towards a small temple or a shrine?” He muttered the last words, almost to himself as if he was musing out loud.

Nami tipped her head up to stare at him in wonder. “You’re... familiar with this kind structure and layout?”

Zoro just shrugged. “Looks like the one back in my village.”

“Your... village...” Nami chewed on her lower lip unconsciously. Zoro was never the one to share anything about his past or where he came from. So Nami can only... speculate. There are times where, he’d willingly give up some bits and pieces. And yet, she still ends up trying to connect the dots... figure it all out like a whole damned life puzzle.

She never pushed, even if she was insanely curious. It was one of her boundaries when it comes to him. They may squabble all the time and she may press his buttons relentlessly and even brazenly twist his arm to give in to her demands but she never, ever forced him to tell her anything he wasn’t willing to share. 

There were times though that she can’t help it and she asks outright. And Zoro gives her answers... most of the times.

And now... she sighed. Now just is not the right time for any probing questions about him as they both regarded the time-worn house in front of them.

She tapped lightly at his arm, a wordless indication to finally release her from his grip and set her on her feet. He did likewise, never taking his eye off rickety-looking edifice.

If this is a really house then...

A cheeky grin suddenly appeared on Nami’s lips.

No hurt trying to investigate inside right? Who knows what valuables they might... salvage.

“Come on Zoro,”

“Huh?”

She nodded her head towards the house. “Let’s go.”

Zoro glowered at her. “Now you’re brave?”

She huffed in response. “I’m pretty sure you already used your haki to check if there’s anything inside we should be wary of.”

“...”

“And that you found nothing,” she continued, eyeing the three katanas on his hip. “Or else your hands will be gripping them and instead of me. Now let’s go and see.”

He cursed under his breath. “Of course you think you’ll snag something valuable inside.”

She winked. “Never hurts to look. Even if,” she gave the place a glance over. “Even if the vibes of this place are all sinister.” She rubbed her hands on her bare arms as if to chase the goose bumps away.

Zoro snorted at the irony of her cowardice and greediness.

“Besides I have you with me,” she immediately pulled at his arm, her determination renewed. “No use prolonging it. So chop-chop while we still got some good light!”

“Fine! Then lead the way,” he agreed grudgingly. Not that he’d actually let her go in there alone.

“Uh no,” she suddenly sidled closer to him, grabbing his arm. “We go in together.”

Mumbling another expletive under his breath, he let himself be drag into another one of Nami treasure-hunting mischiefs.

------------------------

“This is a failure,” Nami dramatically announced as she shoved back a book of what appears to be a record of business transactions done by the previous owner of the house with the villagers. “A failure I tell you!”

She and Zoro had meticulously made their way inside what they now confirmed was indeed a house. The wooden floor creaked underneath their steps but held steady as they worked their way towards the whole expanse, carefully checking every nook and cranny, every room for anything valuable enough to haul back to the ship.

Much to Nami’s dismay... there was none. Not one speck of gold, not one glint of forgotten jewellery. Only dust, cobwebs, the strong smell of decay and rotting wood, remains in what looks like a house that belonged to someone with a high rank... like the head of the village.

They continued towards the rear part of the house where a wooden walkway—dotted with splintered wood and random holes—connected the main part towards what looks like a temple or shrine, as Zoro observed earlier.

Both were surprise to find out that it was a library; still filled with numerous books, old records and accounts, along with hundreds of scrolls—all of which were stacked neatly in their respective shelves as if they’re awaiting the return of their owner.  

There was an old writing desk at the far right near a window with broken shutters.

Nami looked around, amazed. “Robin will be thrilled with this,” she whispered in awe. She entered the room, letting her eyes savor in the wonderful sight before her.

She quietly, almost reverently, approached one of the shelves. She ran a finger gingerly across the spines. She paused and pulled out a book to examine it.

A soft ‘oh’ escaped her when she realized that it was all about the New World weather dated two decades ago. She excitedly opened it and coughed when a cloud of dust escaped the pages.

“Nami? You okay?”

Zoro had moved to the opposite side of the room, inspecting the dust-covered items on top of what looked like a wooden writing desk.

“I’m fine,” she replied as she waved off his concern. “Just some dust.”

He nodded as they went back to their own explorations. His hand traced a beautifully engraved wooden box, his fingers disturbing the long sleeping dust covering it.

Zoro lifted the lid and his lips quirked slightly. It’s been quite long since he last saw a calligraphy set. He recalled the one his sensei was using. It was simpler than this box. But the purpose of the brushes and ink inside are still the same.

Nami was watching him from the corner of her eye and caught the small smile that suddenly graced his lips. She wondered what was the reason was for it.

He was looking inside an exquisite-looking box. Was it jewels? Gold coins? If so, why wasn’t he calling her over?

Nami’s appraising eye was already considering the value of that item. It looked like it will fetch a good sum when sold.

“Let’s bring that back with us,” she suggested, still curious why it evoked a rare smile from him.

“Huh?” Zoro lifted his head to meet her gaze.

“I said let’s bring that back with us,” the mapmaker repeated, fixing her attention back to the books in front of her.

“Why? It’s just a writing set,”

She continued scanning the titles before her as she answered. “All the more reason to bring it back. We can show it to Robin.” She cheekily withdrew from the shelves to approach him, stopping only when they were almost toe to toe.

Nami grinned up at the swordsman. “We are not leaving empty-handed, Zoro.” She declared as she dropped the book she was still holding on the table just beside the ornate box.

Zoro fought the urge to roll his eye at her and instead, folded his arms across his chest as he looked down at her.

“Fine.”

“Good boy,” Nami reached out to pinch his cheek as he scowled at her.

She ignored him as she went back to the shelf to continue inspecting it. She pulled out one book and then another, and then another.

“My sight must be deceiving me,” Zoro quirked an eyebrow at her as he watched her almost giddily emptying the shelf as if it was a treasure chest. “These are not the sparkly, shiny things that you adore so much. Why are you taking them?”

She stared at him pointedly and pouted. “Knowledge is still valuable Zoro.”

He scoffed, exasperatedly running a hand across his hair. He knows she just doesn’t want to leave empty-handed. It’s like an unhealthy compulsion.

Zoro looked around and saw some old scrolls and random manuals on the shelf near him. He pulled one out just to see what it contains and was astounded to see that it was still intact.

It was astonishing that these survived being left out here at the mercy of time and nature. He rubbed his thumb against the paper. It didn’t feel like an ordinary one. He recalled Nami mentioning a special paper that could last for a years without getting damaged. It was what she was using for her maps.

This was probably the same. He surmised as he unrolled it, careful not to trigger the accumulated dust on it so much. The paper felt rough against his fingers.

Inside was a handwritten passage. The writing was neat, precise and exquisite. Like it was done more because of the art of calligraphy rather than the necessity to write down the words.

“Sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, thought…” he read out loud. Now… why did that sound familiar?

His face scrunched a little in concentration as he continued.

“Those six sense organs have senses…”

Nami instantly stopped perusing the books in front of her at the sound of his voice. She spun around to gaze at him, seemingly mesmerized.

“Of good, bad, neutral...”

It was deep and penetrating… like it was coming from some unfathomable part of him.

Like he was about to launch one of his infamous attacks with everything he got to obliterate an enemy.

He trailed off... lifting his head up as he felt Nami’s eyes on him. His eye met hers, the book in her hand lay open on her palms and momentarily forgotten.

“What?” Zoro raised an eyebrow when he noticed how... intently she was looking at him.

“That...” she began, her thumb rubbed lightly against the paper as if that simple movement will bring her out of captivation.

“That sounded good.”

“Huh?”

“That,” Nami cleared her throat and nodded to the scroll he was holding. “It sounded good. Whatever you are reading.”

“It’s just what’s written here.”

“Can you read it again?”

Zoro just shrugged and proceeded to do as she requested.

“Sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, thought…

Those six sense organs have senses…”

And Nami just watched him. Watched the way his lips move, watched the calm expression on his face.

His voice low and rich. Unwavering.

“Of good, bad, neutral...”

It was sure. Steady. Like it was grounded to the very earth.

“Then, each of those 18 senses are classified into the purified and defiled states…”

Beautiful in its roughness.

Exactly just like him.

And Nami... absolutely liked it. Very much so.

“One life, thirty-six desires…”

His eye met hers again. There was an intensity in it that was pulling at her. She didn’t even notice she had taken a step towards him.

“Nami?”

The navigator blinked as if she was dragged away from a trance that started from the very first moment his voice reached her ears.

Zoro rolled the scroll back, dropping it haphazardly at the desk as he studied her intently, his gaze now questioning and a bit worried.

Why was she suddenly acting... weird?

Was it the passage written on the scroll he was holding? Was it doing something weird to her?

He frowned. For the umpteenth time, he was thinking that maybe scouring this old abandoned dwelling wasn’t a good idea after all.

He was immediately in front of her, his hand tilting her chin up so he can check if she was alright.

“Nami?” He called her name again. “Are you okay?”

She reached out to grasp his hand lightly still looking at him. “Yes,” she answered breathlessly.

“Are you sure?” He turned her face left and right, looking for something out of the ordinary. “Did you inhale a lot of the dust here?”

“Huh what?” Nami asked incredulously, the randomness of question threw her off. Why would he ask that?

“You just zoned out.”

“Zoro...”

He let out an irritated ‘tsk’.

“Enough of this shit,” he rumbled, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Let’s go back to the Sunny and have Chopper look at you.”

“Eh?” That snapped Nami back to reality, regaining her usual feisty self.

“Hey wait! Wait Zoro!” She objected as he started pulling her out of the library.

“The books! That box! I want them!”

“We’ll get it back later!” Zoro grumbled as she tried to escape his hold.

“But...”

The stare he fixed on her had Nami instantly relenting.

“Fine!” She agreed sulkily, lips pursed into a pout. “But we’ll go back and get them later with the others!” She demanded in a voice loud enough to actually shake the structure’s foundation.

“We’ll get that whole damn library to the Sunny if that’s what you want.” Zoro said through gritted teeth as they stepped out to head back to their ship.

Damn this troublesome woman.

------------------------

“Hey.”

“Hey,” Zoro greeted back as he stepped away from the ladder leading to the Sunny’s bath. “You good?” He asked, running his hand in his still wet hair as he approached the orange-haired woman.

Nami was sitting on the chair in front of her mapping desk. Its surface was a total chaos of old books and some scrolls from the rundown library they were inspecting earlier that day.

They did go back, along with the rest of the crew, to haul everything inside it that Nami and Robin wants. Chopper gave Nami the a-ok to explore the area again after personally checking it. The reindeer doctor claimed that what was in it was just plain, normal dust and no contaminants of some kind were mixed in it.

Still it doesn’t explain why Nami spaced out earlier.

The navigator made a face at him. “Chopper already cleared me. I didn’t inhale any weird dust from that place like you were thinking.”

Zoro just shrugged as he sat down on the floor beside her. “Sue me. Better safe than sorry.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m fine.”

“You just acted weird while we were there.”

Nami hummed. “Mmm... oh that.”

“Yeah that.” Zoro emphasized with huff. “Thought you were gonna keel over or something.”

She reached out to ruffle his green hair, smiling when he scowled at her antics.

“Got you worried?”

Zoro just stared at her this time. Like a calm before the storm.

“It wasn’t really anything short of an emergency.”

“Then why—”

“It’s just that,” she cut him off. “I got entranced when you were reading that passage. It just sounded so good.” She leaned her arm against the chair’s back, pillowing her head on the crook of it as she looked at him. “You voice sounded so good.”

Silence took over between them. Before Zoro spat out,

“WHAT?!”

Nami laughed. “Oh, are you blushing pirate hunter?”

Zoro immediately stood up to glare at her. “NO!” He replied hotly even as the tinge of red was evident on his cheeks.

“Oh fuck,” Nami chortled as she watched him get all flustered at her compliment. “Shit you are cute!”

“Shut up!”

“Nope,” she teasingly shook her head as she stood up to meet his gaze head on.

“Nami, I swear—”

She cut him off again. This time with the press of her lips on his, arms looping around his neck so he can’t pull away or utter a retort.

And he relaxed easily underneath her touch. Just like he always do.

His hands gripped her arms lightly... slowly sliding up, thumbs rubbing against soft skin, before his arms moved to encircle her completely as he deepened their kiss.

“Read that for me again Zoro,” Nami whispered when they pulled away, breath the lightest touch against his lips. His arms were still wrapped around her, obviously with no intention of letting her go yet.

Zoro let out a ‘tsk’. But an almost easy smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as she tried to wiggle away to grab the scroll from her desk.

“Sight,” he intoned. And Nami stopped moving as he pressed his lips just below her eye brow.

“Hearing,” he murmured it against the shell of her ear, pressing another kiss there.

“Smell.”

A kiss on the tip of her nose.

“Touch.”

On her chest right near where her heart beats.

“Thought.”

An almost chaste kiss on her forehead.

“Those six sense organs have senses…”

Both of his hands rose slowly and cupped her face so he could look directly in her eyes. 

“Of good, bad, neutral...”

She continued to stare at him in the same entranced way she did back at the other library. Captivated by his voice.

“Then, each of those 18 senses are classified into the purified and defiled states…”

Nami felt her breath catch as he lowered his head, lips touching hers in the lightest of kisses.

“One life, thirty-six desires…”

[evilishei]

Netflix asking me to rate…

LOVE THIS of course! They are my ship. 💚🧡

[evilishei]

Nothing... I just missed them.

[evilishei]

Definitely. 😂

What if I say this is Zoro talking to Nami.

[evilishei]

You can't tell me that this isn't the matching ones in the line up. White plus black accents (Usopp is a close one but their is still a distinct difference in his outfit). Plus their pose!

[evilishei]

Fucking god episode 1136 gave us a the other side of the events in Sabaody years after I first watched it. My heart breaks more right now than it did the first time watching it from Kuma’s point of view. This episode wrecks. 😭

That was the most painful happy birthday greeting I ever encountered. Now my nose is clogged from crying. No shit, One Piece is the one absolute anime that can make me cry.

[evilishei]

Why aren’t we talking about how cold this scene is?

[evilishei]

*Zoro Lego kicks Sanji Lego*

“That’s what I’m feeling right now.”

And Nami Lego is just… there. Hehehehe… 😉

[evilishei]

I need a more accurate visual of this.

“Why so sexy if so dumb?”

Nami to Zoro. Because I headcanon that THIS line absolutely runs inside Nami’s head most of the times.

[evilishei]

Belated happy birthday fic!

Little Bits and Pieces of Heaven

SAME, YET DIFFERENT

One-shot #: 42

Disclaimer: One Piece (and its characters) belongs to Eiichiro Oda-sensei.

Reminder: I have no beta-reader. Any grammatical and spelling errors are solely mine.

Warning: OOC possible. One shot.

Rating: T

Note: Of course I have something for my favorite navigator’s birthday. Just late. But better than nothing right?Also, for the past three years I have an AU story drafted for Nami’s birthday that I really can’t get into. Maybe it’s still not the right time for it. So it’s been rotting in my drafts folder and this one is what you all get.

I adore the fact that Johnny and Yosaku—who both are Zoro’s friends—decided to settle in Cocoyashi, which is Nami’s village. You know… that possibility of them going back to that place because they both have a reason to return together… I’ll leave it at that, feel free to imagine it.

Also, when I googled Cocoyashi village, I kept getting Cocoyasi. I’m not gonna delve deeper into this as they can be used interchangeably (I was under the impression that it was Cocoyashi all this time so I’m just gonna stick to it).

So enjoy! And let me say this now, I digress from too much emotional stuff. I just wanted it light and breezy.

Summary: Nojiko all but swallowed the laugh that wanted to burst out from her. She couldn’t believe she easily caught on what was currently happening with her sister. Nami just handed it to her in a silver platter.

Nami immediately crossed the wooden dock the moment they dropped the Sunny’s anchors. Her strides were quick; her heels and barely contained excitement eliciting small, creaking sounds with every step she took.

The island wind welcomed her warmly… very much like a long awaited embrace; enfolding her into its sea-scented arms and caressing her long orange hair—vibrant under the rays of the sun—making it flutter in her wake as she continued to move forward.

The moment her feet touched solid and familiar ground, she heard the shout.

“Nami!!!”

The navigator’s face lit up, an ecstatic smile appearing across her lips, reaching her eyes and she lifted her arms.

“Nojiko!!!”

She threw herself around her anticipating sister; still beautiful—even more so now with her light blue hair longer—and still smelling faintly of their beloved mikans, with just a hint of the sea and sun-soaked memories.

Nami squeezed her as hard as she could and Nojiko did the same.

“You’re here!” She declared jovially.

“I am!” Nami squealed before her sister can even finish her sentence, not bothering to hide her exhilaration at all.

They hugged again, giggling like kids, absolutely delighted to see each other like Nami hadn’t visited a year and half ago when they were sailing around East Blue again.

“Oiiii!!! Nami’s sister! Oiiii!!!”

“Hey Nojiko! Hey!!!”

“Onee-samaaaa!!! Onee-samaaaa!!!””

Nojiko sweat dropped at the chorused of voices calling out to her fervently. She peered behind Nami to look at the ship. The straw hat wearing captain of her sister was leaning excitedly on the ship’s railing along with the long-nosed sniper and their blond cook. All three were waving their hands in their air with so much enthusiasm that Nojiko can’t help but chuckle.  

She lifted a hand to wave back at them as Nami sighed exasperatedly.

Nojiko tilted her head to look at her before sniggering. “You brought chaos with you?” She playfully asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Chaos goes wherever I go,” Nami deadpanned as she stared back at her now restless and overly excited crewmates. “Well… half of it actually.”

“Half?”

“The other half is still exploring Logue Town.”

“Oh?”

Nami grinned. “Well, our archaeologist is totally into history stuff so she asked us to head out first… something about wanting to research more about the islands in East Blue. They planned for some quick stops on some other areas on their way here. So they’ll probably be here tomorrow at the earliest.”

Nojiko nodded even as she did a double take when she saw Luffy wrap a rubbery arm around Usopp, before jumping down the wooden dock with him in tow. The sniper’s screech filled the air momentarily.

She turned her attention back to Nami. “So nothing’s changed huh?”

Nami shrugged her shoulders. “Yup, pretty much still the same.”

They looked on as the other Straw Hats started to disembark from the Sunny. Nojiko realized that it was just indeed the other half—the ones she already knew from way back when Nami first joined them. Plus the cute reindeer doctor called Chopper, whom she had met along the rest of the crewmembers a year before.

“Get ready for the upcoming pandemonium,” Nami muttered under her breath.

Nojiko laughed. “Never doubted that. Well… just right in time then I guess.”

Nami cast a sideway glance at her, completely ignoring her hyperactive captain, who was still dragging Usopp as he bounded towards them with Zoro, Sanji and Chopper trailing behind them.

“Right in time for what?”

Nojiko’s lips curved upward. “Your birthday celebration of course!”

Nami lifted an eyebrow. “But my birthday’s not until tomorrow…”

“Doesn’t matter,” Nojiko chortled. “We can start celebrating now and continue on ‘til tomorrow.” She looped her arm around Nami’s, pulling her towards the road heading to the village’s direction.

“Come on, better show yourself and them to Genzo-san first or you’ll never hear the end of it.” She cheekily winked at Nami.

------------------------

“Nami-aneki! Happy birthday!!!”

Nami quickly turned at the familiar voices that simultaneously almost sang that greeting. Her eyes widened and so did her grin when she recognized her well-wishers.

“Johnny? Yosaku? It’s been so long you guys!” She squeezed their offered hands and she realized that they were a far cry from the bounty hunters she had met years ago. They were bigger now, bulkier—her hands looking all small and delicate in their grip.

It was ironic that they look more dangerous now when they have a different profession than during their bounty hunter days.

She heard from Nojiko that after their unsuccessful attempt of going back to the bounty hunting business, they came back here to become fishermen, which was actually quite surprising as Nami never thought they’d settle here out of all places. Maybe it’s the Cocoyashi village’s charm?

They didn’t run into them when the Straw Hats were here last time. Nojiko had said that they were on the other side of the island as it was the fishing hot spot last year. The hauls are too big to pass. Besides, that is how they make their living now.

Nami smiled at the unexpected turn of events.

If they are living here now then…

Her eyes quickly darted towards the ever-stoic green-haired man, who was quietly drinking on the side-lines.

Zoro was watching the on-going party in front of him—the supposedly small event for her pre-birthday had turned into a full blown celebration right in the middle of the street… no thanks to the villagers who were more than willing to potluck and Luffy—who had cheerful invited every single person in the area that he met while running around exploring.  

The master swordsman had a small smirk on his face—apparently enjoying the merrymaking even if he was taking no part on it.

Then his eye caught hers. And Nami fought the urge to roll her own. Far as Zoro may be, he was still able to sense her staring at him, even for just a split second. Sometimes his sharpness really grates on her nerves.

She really can’t enjoy observing him secretly, can she? He always, ALWAYS, catches her looking.

The mapmaker decided to just veer her attention back to Johnny and Yosaku who was telling her something about Nojiko’s recent business venture. And the fish haul that her sister had apparently demanded to them to bring for Nami’s birthday celebration.

“Guys, thanks! Those were really great catches.” Nami said, her tone amazed. “All that seafood dishes Sanji-kun cooked are absolutely delicious. And I know for a fact that that was not just because he is the one cooking it. Even he says you’ve brought in really excellent ingredients.”

The two laughed sheepishly, blushing and looking all embarrassed at her compliment. Really, they are so much better at catching fishes rather than catching wanted criminals.

“Ah! Zoro-aniki!” They both greeted Zoro who had languidly approached them and Nami marvelled at how Johnny and Yosaku can do their greetings in almost the same tone, the same manner, even the same enthusiasm.

Zoro nodded at his former bounty hunting comrades, grin appearing so wide on his face that Nami cannot help herself from raising an eyebrow. She rarely sees him this… cheerful. Most of the times it was just a chuckle, a normal grin, a smirk or a sneer.

He settled right next to where she was sitting, right down on the the ground to be more exact and Nami watched with amusement as Johnny and Yosaku bustled with too excitement. They also hadn’t seen Zoro for years and their happiness was almost palpable.

It seems like it was their birthday rather than hers.

“Eh, looks like enjoying it here Johnny, Yosaku,” Zoro observed, taking a sip of his drink.

“Yes! Of course!” answered Johnny.

“Definitely!” replied Yosaku.

Even Zoro couldn’t hold back a chuckle at their joy. It was, of course, nice to see their good old friends and allies thriving and happy.

“Well, I think you boys better do some catching up,” Nami suggested as she brought her own mug to her lips to drink.

“Oh we will!” Johnny was grinning from ear to ear. “We will take Zoro-aniki out the sea tomorrow to fish.”

Yosuka was bobbing his head up and down in agreement. “Yeah, you did mention that you liked fishing don’t you aniki?” He looked at Zoro who nodded.

“Tomorrow huh?” Nami murmured. Tomorrow was officially her birthday. So he’ll be gone out to the sea to fish the whole day?

“We’ll head out early, so we can return early.” Johnny explained, smiling at Nami as if he knew that that was what he needed to do. “Zoro-aniki said the official celebration of your birthday is tomorrow. So we can’t miss that and the feast!”

“Oh?” Nami mouthed as she stole a glance at the man beside her who just shrugged.

“Anyway we’ll see you later, Zoro-aniki, Nami-aneki” Yosaku said. “We still have to deliver some of our catch to Gosa village.”

“Eh?” Nami blinked. “You guys are still working? But it’s already evening?”

“Ah we just need to deliver it,” Johnny said sheepishly, scratching his head. “We are actually about to earlier but we heard you are all here.”

“And we wanted to see you all...” Yosaku added.

“And you both lost track of time,” Nami stated the obvious for them.

She was answered with awkward laughter.

“Well, see you two later then,” Zoro said, smirking. “Do what you need to do first then we drink.” He raised the tankard he was holding slightly before gulping it down with gusto.

“Will do!” The two shouted with so much eagerness, before turning around to run back to their ship so they can finish their task and get back to the celebration asap.

Nami and Zoro just watched them disappear in a cloud of dust and excited whispers. Somewhere around they can both hear Usopp’s voice narrating another one of his infamous tales of bravery to a most likely unsuspecting audience plus one gullible reindeer.

“Honestly didn’t expect this to become a full blown party,” Zoro muttered after few minutes of silently sitting, drinking and watching the villagers going to and fro. It was like after the fall of Arlong Park. Everyone was out on the streets eating, drinking, and laughing.

Only this time… it’s to celebrate her.

“Me neither.” Nami said with sighed. “And to be exact, it’s not even my birthday yet.”

“Right.”

“Actually didn’t expect those two will stay here,” Nami wondered out loud. “You?”

Zoro just shook his head. “For what it’s worth, I think they’ve settled here... settled good.”

“Hmmm… guess you’ll have a reason to come with me whenever I return here,” the grin that she threw at him was cheeky enough that Zoro instantly knew this meant trouble for him.  

“Make me,” he can’t help but challenged.

“Oh you know I will,” Nami retorted haughtily. “And I can!”

They held each other’s stare intently, neither one backing down. This was almost like a game to them and not really animosity as some would think.

Then a sudden bothering thought hit Nami.

“Zoro where is Luffy?”

Her eyebrows furrowed and now she was on high alert. It had been a rather tepid celebration compared to what she is used to. It should be chaotic right now and loud. Surprisingly there wasn’t any tell-tale signs and sounds of Luffy going full boisterous or even Sanji’s persistent shouts of ‘hands off shitty gomu’ or ‘not cooked yet you idiot’.

Nami noticed a slight movement on Zoro’s lips. Like he was trying really hard not to burst out laughing.

“Getting interrogated by your father figure,” he answered simply after managing to compose himself with little effort.

Nami blinked as she processed what he just said. “Luffy is with Genzo-san?”

This time Zoro smirked. “Yeah,”

Now that is trouble alright. Nami could swear her face blanched slightly at that, knowing how unrelenting the man who is a like parent to her and Nojiko.

It was almost like a recipe for a disaster.

Nami then fixed Zoro with a stare.

“Shouldn’t you be there as well?”

A snort was his answer. “Not thank you. He can handle it just fine.”

That made Nami burst into laughter, kind of expecting that response from him. “Oh what’s this? You’re trying to get away or something?”

She stood up as Zoro regarded her with a rather sharp eye. But she just smiled at him cheekily.

“You have to eventually face him too you know…. rescue Luffy from his clutches… things like that.”

Nami then patted his shoulder, as if trying to appease him. “Good luck.”

------------------------

“Whoa, whoa easy with the liquor.” Nojiko teased when she spotted Nami, who was refilling her mug as sneakily as she can from one of the many taps they had prepared for her birthday tomorrow. “Those are still for tomorrow!”

Nami stuck her tongue out at her. Childishly. And Nojiko laugh, knowing that she’ll never be able to stop her stubborn sister.

“You’ve got to save some for tomorrow!”

“Relax Nojiko,” Nami said soothingly, before heartily gulping down a mouthful of her pilfered liquor. “This is barely grazing the surface. Plus these are the good stuff. Why aren’t we having them right now?”

“Uh-huh,” Nojiko now had her hands on her hips. “Do you plan to get drunk before it’s officially your birthday?”

 “I don’t get drunk easily, you know that.” Nami chortled as she took another tankard and filled it.

“Whoa,” Nojiko held up both of her hands in the air in mock surrender. “I said easy with it. Not have your fill with it!”

“I am going easy,” Nami threw her a frown. “Besides this is not for me.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. Oh.” The orange-haired girl echoed. She tilted her head. “Heard from Johnny and Yosaku that you had a new business venture.” She lifted the mugs in her hands. “So I’m evaluating it.”

She got a snort from that. “Evaluating my ass. Of course I’m expanding. It’s good for business. And you actually liked it,” She pointed an accusing finger at Nami then at the mugs. “So much that I know this is the fourth time you went to refill your tankard with it.”

“You’re keeping tabs?” Nami said with an exaggerated gasp. Then she snickered. “Of course I liked it. It’s made from Bellemere-san’s mikans! How can I not like it?”

“Still, whether you liked it so much or not, isn’t this going a bit overboard.” Nojiko eyed the mugs in her hand warily.

“I’m not the only one here who loves drinking,” Nami replied in an obviously exaggerated nonchalant way that had Nojiko raising one perfectly shaped eyebrow.

“Okay…”

Nojiko’s brows furrowed when she followed Nami as she headed back to where the green-haired swordsman was sitting on the ground, still quietly watching the event in front of him and still drinking.

She watched her sister approached him and with an authoritative tone Nami said,

“Zoro, drink this.”

Zoro stared up at her, face scrunching into a frown, looking like he was about to tell her off. Nojiko had observed up close how their dynamics are from the very first time the man set foot on their village and also last year when their crew dropped by for a quick visit.

Up until now…

She absolutely finds it interesting.

Nojiko wasn’t surprised when Zoro just let out an annoyed grunt, and accepted the tankard that Nami had handed him.

She kept one eyebrow cocked as her sister settled on the bench beside the swordsman. Zoro took a taste of the new drink and then another.

He licked his lips, “Oi this is actually good.”

Nami beamed at her sister. “Well looks like you’ve got a hit.” She wiggled her eyebrows meaningfully at Nojiko.

The light-blue haired woman just continued scrutinizing them as they slipped into an almost easy conversation about how the drink was of Nojiko’s doing, a move to broaden the horizons of her mikan business.

A sort of understanding settled inside Nojiko as she continued to watch them talk, before shifting into a light banter of who can outdrink who.

And she can’t help but wonder if... that was slight flirting? In their own language?

Nojiko inwardly shook her head. It is too early to draw conclusions. But…

She suddenly clapped her hands to get their attention. Both Zoro and Nami instantly turned towards her, their somehow inside quips (that only the two of them can probably comprehend) forgotten.    

“Sorry to burst your…” she paused for effect. “Private bubble.” She grinned when a frown appeared on Nami’s face at her obvious teasing. “But I did promise the ladies of town something.” She stated, casually brushing imaginary dust off her pants.

Nami stared at her, all curious. “Promise?”

Nojiko smiled, smugly if Nami was to be accurate. The kind of smile and smug that had alarm bells ringing inside her head.

“Yup,” she took a step towards Zoro and bent down.

“Come on. Come with me.”

Both Zoro and Nami stared up at her. Then at each other. Then back to Nojiko again.

“Why?” Nami was the first to ask.

“Huh why?” Zoro was a second late with his own question.

Nojiko straightened up with a deep exhale. Like the question exasperated her. Like she didn’t want to explain.

She wasn’t Nami sister if she wasn’t just as bold and cheeky as the orange-haired woman is when needed.

Nojiko wrapped a hand on Zoro’s arm and gave him a slight tug so he would stand up.

And Zoro surprisingly obeyed, earning an astonished look from Nami, her eyes widening slightly.

“Uhm excuse me but where are you taking him?” Nami fought the urge to stand up as well and block her sister’s way. She had a gut feeling that it wouldn’t bode well for her if she did that.

There was that smug grin again. “The ladies of our village wanted to meet the ‘handsome, green-haired man with arms they want to get head-locked with.” Nojiko explained, her smile and tone both equally mischievous.

“Head-locked WHAT?!” Nami repeated—no—almost spat out.

Nojiko whistled. “Wow! That’s what you retained from what I said?”

“Oi,” Zoro growled, not amused. He obviously got what that meant and he is obviously not happy being paraded in front of strangers with unscrupulous motives.

And neither was Nami as she started to glower at her sister.

Nojiko ignored her. “Come on, come on,” she urged, pulling him with her, leaving Nami—who now stood up—looking bewildered.

“Nojiko!”

She stopped halfway to gaze at Nami, her eyes dancing with mirth looking all impish.

“You don’t mind do you?”

And Nami bristled at that. And stuttered. “O-o-of course not! Do what you want!” She added a bit too hotly.

“Then let’s go Zoro-san,” Nojiko sing-songed as she pulled the still perplexed swordsman away.

“You’re not going to ask me if I mind?” He grumbled even as he let Nami’s sister pull him  from the now obviously seething navigator.

“You’re meeting pretty girls. I’m sure you don’t.” She responded brazenly, looking back to watch Nami plopped back down her seat, pouting and sullenly taking a hearty gulp of her drink.

Of course she doesn’t mind. Why should she?

Nojiko was now grinning from ear to ear.

Why indeed?

------------------------

Of course she doesn’t mind. Why should she?

The words rang persistently inside Nami’s brain. Insistent, irritating.

She bit at the rim of her mug in frustration. Whatever her sister was playing at… she knows it’s to hit two birds with one stone. The smugness in her smile says it all.

Her eyes shifted towards where Nojiko had pulled Zoro and to her chagrin; there is a group of men and women there, all eyes looking adoringly at the second strongest man in their crew.

Some eyes are probably doing more than look, and was bordering towards not safer thoughts.

Nami was all too familiar with that.

The annoying thing about all this is that Zoro actually let her sister drag him to where she wanted to bring him without any fight, with only just one question and no other retorts. Nami knows if he wanted, he can easily get out of that shenanigan the way he usually does…

… by being infuriatingly stubborn.

That was what actually irks her more.

She watched with frustration as Nojiko seemed to introduce him to the villagers. And Nami can’t help the scowl that appeared on her face. She continued to glare at the group. At stupid Zoro. At her mischievous older sister…

Her eyes locked with Nojiko’s and Nami felt a cold sweat trickle down her back. She straightened up instantly, schooling her face into a disinterested expression and obliterating the scowl she had on earlier.

There was a dawning realization on Nojiko’s face as she stared back at her.

------------------------

Nojiko all but swallowed the laugh that wanted to burst out from her. She couldn’t believe she easily caught on what was currently happening with her sister. Nami just handed it to her in a silver platter.

“Alright,” she spoke up amidst the chatter and questions for the tall man beside her. “That’s it ladies and gents. I promised. I delivered.” She tugged at Zoro’s arm again. “Now I have to give him back... before my sister decides to kill me.”

A collective groan sounded out from the group.

Zoro stared at her liked she’d grown another head. And Nojiko only answered him with a smirk. She patted his arm in a placatory way.

Strongest swordsman or not, this man can still be easily perplexed and overwhelmed by things like... casual introductions to a group of admirers.

Nojiko betted on that. Because it seems like her sister have him already wrapped around her pretty, mischievous fingers.

And she wants to prove it.

“What was that all about?” Zoro finally composed himself enough to ask Nojiko what the fuck is happening.

“Don’t mind it. They just wanna meet you. They’re curious is all.”

“Huh?”

“And now I’m returning you.”

“…”

“Before Nami strangles me.”

Zoro stopped. With an exasperated sigh, he scratched his head.

“She’s gonna be pretty pissed. No,” he corrected. “She already is.”

And this time Nojiko finally bellowed the laugh she was holding.

“I know,” she said between chortles, wiping the tears of amusement at the corner of her eyes with one finger. “She can be so…” she glanced at Zoro up and down. “Possessive.”

The swordsman didn’t answer. And Nojiko waved her hand dismissively. “I already know what’s up. I don’t need to say anything, do I?”

“No.”

“Good.” Nojiko nodded; pleased they are on the same page. She knows how he can be… dense. She heard Nami complained about it a hundred times or more.

She was just glad that when it comes to her sister he is… less so and more attuned and definitely attentive in his own way.

She heard him click his tongue against the roof of his mouth. “Well,” he said lowly. “She just disappeared.”

Nojiko glanced at where Nami was sitting earlier. The bench was vacant with only the tankards remaining on it.

She sighed. “She’s probably headed there to cool off,” her eyes drifted up towards the cliff in one of the highest point on the island. “I did push her buttons extremely hard this time.”

Zoro just chuckled. “She’s a handful. And I’m being... polite.”

“I swear that’s what she also says about you.” Nojiko grinned, shaking her heard in amusement. “Well, nothing you can’t handle right? So I’ll leave it to you.

Zoro nodded.

“And oh, you do realize…” Nojiko doubled back. “Genzo-san will be ‘talking’ to you tomorrow,” Nojiko tilted her head to take in his faltering expression. “And it’s probably gonna be longer than the conversation he had with your captain.”

------------------------

“Figured you’d go here for some quiet.”

Nami turned at the sound of Zoro’s voice. She was sitting in front of Bell-mere’s grave. Just taking in the quiet, the island, the everything.

“Don’t you figured you’d go here for some quiet me!” Nami pouted, narrowing her eyes at the approaching man. “I know Nojiko told you where I am.”

He just shrugged his shoulders.

Nami didn’t bother hiding the look of awe on her face. “But I am really surprised that you actually made your way here without getting lost!”

“Oi,” a vein ticked on his forehead.

“Thought I’d need to arrange a search party for you,” Nami snickered. “And just right before my birthday.”

He scowled at her. “I am here aren’t I?”

She nodded. “True, true. Besides I actually prefer searching for treasures instead of directionless people…” she trailed off as she regarded him. “Person…” she amended.

“I can find my damn way alright woman! What do you take me for?!”

“You really don’t want me to answer that.”

Zoro huffed in exasperation as he sat down beside her, before handing her a bottle of what looked like an expensive and rather rare liquor.

Her brown eyes widened when she realized what it was.

“Damn this is from Liqueur Island!” She was almost breathless in awe because she knows you cannot just get it that easily.

Zoro’s grin was so arrogant that she was tempted to give him a good smack. But she refrained—her token of appreciation because she knows how hard it was to get your hands on this kind of beverage. And there is only one island in the New World that has it.

Her brows knitted together and she had to ask. “Please don’t tell me you got into a lot of crazy trouble and unnecessary scuffles just to get this.”

“Not that much if you know where and how to get it.” Was all Zoro said and she knew that was all she was getting out of him.

She’s just gonna wheedle out the information from Usopp later.

“Oh well, this is rather generous of you!” She rolled the bottle in her hands—examining it, appreciating it, watching the golden liquid sway inside in a sort of fluid dance. “Now I am feeling rather special.”

He smiled cockily. “Don’t get used to it.”

“Never.” Nami sniggered as set the bottle beside her. She knows it was his birthday present. Along with some folding money if she attempts to pat his whole person from head to toe.

“So how did Nojiko’s introductions go?” She can’t help but asked. She was not a bit peeved anymore. It had already eased out of her as she basked near the presence of her mother.

“Don’t really care much about it,” he drawled. “Pretty sure your sister just wanted to confirm something.”

“Hmm… that she did.” Nami inhaled deeply as the breeze ruffled her hair softly. “She knows.”

“She does.”

“Oh well… my sister’s that sharp. You can’t hide anything from her.”

“There is nothing to hide.”

A smile spread across Nami’s lips at that. “Of course,” she good-humoredly nudged his shoulder with hers.

“Ah Zoro, did you know you have to pay respects to Bell-mere-san don’t you?”

Zoro looked at her intently before shifting his grey eye to the stone marker in front of them.

“I already did. Who did you think placed that bottle of wine there?” He tipped his chin to indicate to the bottle ever-so-carefully placed there. Nami had been wondering alright where it came from.

And know she knows.

Her smile was Cheshire cat-like. “You’re trying to butter up Belle-mere-san?”

Zoro huffed. And instead of answering, he just settled down the grassy ground, lying flat on his back and tucking his hands behind his head as if he plans to sleep there.

Nami watched him for a moment, before riveting her eyes to the vast ocean before them, way beyond the cliff.

They were quiet for a moment. Nami just thinking and Zoro probably sleeping already.

“Nami,” he suddenly called her name and now he had all of Nami’s attention. He was looking at her fully, intently.

“Happy Birthday.”

Nami glanced at the southern area of sky, the full silver moon was at its highest point.

It was indeed midnight… and officially her birthday.

“Hmmm… thanks Zoro,” she grinned affectionately, flicking his forehead with her fingers lightly.

He made a grab for her before she can even withdraw it. And Nami just let him. There’s no use trying to avoid his grip when his reflexes are so much faster than hers.

He dragged it down towards his lips to plant a kiss on her palm.

“Ah Zoro, aren’t we getting bold? And right in front of Bell-mere-san’s grave too.” She joshed. “Did you already ask for her permission?”

He scowled, even as his hand was still grasping hers, not letting go. “We’ve already done worse.”

This time she smacked his head hard enough to rattle some sense into him.

He groaned and rubbed the abused part, finally letting go of her hand.

“You’re the worst!”

He just chuckled. “Already did witch,” he smirked lazily at her. The kind that made butterflies flutter inside her stomach. “Right when I offered that wine there.”

“And she said yes?”

“Hnn… she probably did.” Zoro mumbled as his arm snaked around her waist tugging her closer as he continued to lie down there. “Bottle didn’t break right?”

“What kind of logic is that?” She hissed at him, even as she let him wrapped her in a half embrace.

Her palm settled flat against his chest, just right where his heart beats, as she leaned closer to him. His thumb absent-mindedly traced circles on her back.

She paused, momentarily letting the steady rhythm of his heart steady her as well. Secure her.

Nami smiled at where her mother rested. If she was watching them right now, she knows she is happy.

She knows that Nami is right where she belongs.

“Well then… you should ready yourself,” Nami finally spoke after a few minutes of silence.

 “For what?” Zoro grunted.

“Bell-mere-san might not break that bottle. But Genzo-san will absolutely break you.” Nami cackled like the witch that Zoro ‘fondly’ calls her.

“He will surely be ‘talking’ to you tomorrow. It’s your turn to be interrogated.”

She felt Zoro stilled as it sink into him and she laughed.

“You sister also said that.”

And Nami laughed some more. Because she knows this is going to be one unforgettable birthday.

[evilishei]

[evilishei]

HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY TO OUR LOVELY WEATHER QUEEN!!! 🧡🍊

[evilishei]

Okay I just want to lay it down here.

Romance dawn trio being coined as THAT trio and the triggers of One Piece is just perfect. Romance here is taking a quite different meaning, one closer to adventure rather than its literal one, which is where they were actually heading. Dawn as start of something and what basically took place at the beginning of OP when Luffy, Zoro and Nami first met each other.

Which is obvious. Of course.

But romance dawn being the phrase pertaining to the start of adventure and the three trigger characters fit perfectly as well when you look at it symbolically, even poetically. The sun, moon and stars always play vital roles in myths and legends and stories of the old.

Why would it differ in the OP narrative? We already have it handed to us in a plate.

Luffy is the Sun god. The true form of his DF revelation cementing that fact. Zoro came from the clan Shimotsuki from Wano Kuni. The clan’s name literally translates to ‘frost moon’. Wano and most of the inhabitants have used or referenced the moon and the moon symbol consistently. Pretty much an in your face fact. When Wano arc ended you know, you can now interrelate the moon with them. Because it was everywhere.

And Nami? This is the most obvious of all. No proof needed in the story. Stars. Those shiny, tiny jewels in the night sky that was pretty much used by every navigators to navigate the sea long before compasses. The North star. That certain point-guide, never changing, never moving. It was set in stone from the start. It was written in the stars.

Dawn is literally preceded by the sun rising, which in turn is preceded by the moon and stars appearing when it sets. Then dawn appears again. It’s an unbreakable cycle. The coming of a new day. The beginning of.

So yes. The sun, the moon, the stars. The Romance dawn trio, the triggers—Luffy, Zoro & Nami.

It is almost serendipitous, how it all comes into a full circle.

Luffy got his moon and stars. And Zoro and Nami got their sun.

[evilishei]

idk they are on their honeymoon 🍯🌙