Chapter Text
“I think I’ve fallen in love with you,”
Rippling strands of oceanic azure hair adorned linen pillows, strands of tangerine woven amidst the ribbons of flowing sapphire. Nami couldn't help but feel her resolve melt as a wave of heat burnt the tips of her ears and scratched at her cheeks. Huddled in sheets of white, the two women lay. Faces mere centimetres apart, the heat of their breaths mingling in the synthesised bubble of intimacy.
The princess's peach lips parted, only for a moment. Almost as if to catch her breath. The corners of her lips curved into a smile that could only be accurately described as whimsical.
“Love?” The ginger laughed.
Despite her nonchalant response, Nami had never felt her heart pound in her chest this violently before. Never before had her eyes developed the mirage of shyness. She had never felt so hesitant and yet so certain.
An expression of worry flashed across Vivi’s face. Perhaps she had been too forward? Perhaps she’d been wrong to yearn for another woman, especially that of an commoner. Or maybe, it was simply too early in the day for her words to mean a thing.
Much to the princess’s relief, a wide grin of pure affection swifty grew on Nami’s face followed by a firm grip placed on the other’s hands as her expression settled. Her lips began to close the measly gap between the two.
Dark eyes momentarily blew wide before fluttering shut in loving acceptance of the gesture and its implications.
“...Oh to kiss you,” Nami muttered, lips hovering over lips.
“You may!” Vivi longingly protested.
Nami groaned “No- no, it’s just-”
BANG! BANG! BANG!
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“Nami? Nami! …Are you gonna eat those?”
Nami snapped out of her trance as a familiar yet annoying voice barked into her ears. It wasn't typical of the ‘Cat Burglar’ to be so careless as to let someone surprise her. Maybe she had finally simply grown accustomed to being surrounded by friends. They were a particularly ragtag group who only came together by a shared desire to be free, how they hoped to achieve said freedom varied greatly among them. And yet, they all silently deeply respected the others’ goals.
“Go get your own.” She snarled, slapping Luffy’s hand from her plate.
“Sanjiiii~! I want what she has!”
Sanji’s gaze flicked up from behind the saloon counter, “Sure. For you, just a dollar.”
“WHAAAAAAT? BUT- I can’t… EXTORTION!”
“Maybe if you were as lovely as Nami, you could get some for free. But no, you’re just a simpleton,”
Luffy’s jaw almost dropped to the floor before he started aimlessly punching the air whilst whining about the ‘blatant injustice!’ Amused, the ginger chuckled at the rapid rate in which the situation had escelated. A part of her chest warmed up as she noticed Luffy using the ‘big words’ he learnt from her and Robin’s small collection of novels and textbooks.
However true their loyalties may lie, they were all still as rowdy and chaotic as they pleased. It was the West, after all. The land where one is free to live the life they wish, free of the typical urban standards. Many were flocking to the vast wilderness of the west with the allure of financial gain, the promise of self-advancement or the escape from persecution present in the East.
Sanji swiped his short, low blonde ponytail from his shoulder as he smirked at Luffy’s childish outburst before he started plating up some more of the canelé he was so upset over. Without a word, he slid the plate across the countertop to the now deflated Luffy. Immediately, the life returned to his face as he began stuffing his mouth at an inhuman pace.
“Phank chew, Sanshii!!” Luffy cheered between chews, spitting bits of custard in every direction.
Sanji winced at the view, yet couldn't find it in him to bark back after a compliment on his baking. Instead, he mumbled a simple thanks under his breath before sauntering to the other end of the bar to attend to some waiting customers.
The Baratie was by no means a classy bar, far from it. But as far as saloons go in mining towns, it was luxury (Purely on account of the friendly customer service, many say). It was average from the outside aside from the vibrant aquatic decals and carvings adorning the frames of the building. The inside was cozy, lit by a multitude of dingy lamps that emitted a low orange hue. Round tables were huddled across the booths built into the walls, leaving space in the centre of the room for dances, fights or whatever event that decides to transpire.
Suddenly, the room was blasted by beams of natural light as the doors swung open.
A bulky, haggard figure stood in the doorway as heads turned to address the sudden disturbance. The muscular figure stumbled into the salon, mint green hair spiking out at awkward angles from beneath his rugged stetson hat. Murmurs filled the room as the bruised man practically tripped his way towards the seat next to Nami.
“So, what heinous criminal did you catch today that left you looking so chewed up?” Nami asked. Zoro heard the unspoken ‘Why do you look like shit’ as he plopped himself down onto the stool.
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you-” Zoro huffed “Hey! Bartender Boy! Gimme however much booze this quarter’ll get you.”
“Oh please, mosshead. ‘Bartender Boy’? You’re getting sloppy at insults.” Sanji sneered in response “Only a quarter? Doesn't sound like today was all that successful… Here, first drink’s on the house.”
“Why, you-!”
“Hm? What happened, Zoro?” Luffy chimed in.
“Ah- It's a funny story, actually,” Zoro’s expression instantly softened, “You see, I saw a new poster floating around of this doe-eyed girl. I didn’t understand why she would have a bounty, she looked pretty well off…”
Everyone leaned into Zoro with anticipation, totally unsure of where his story could possibly lead.
“And today, I saw her! She was just… standing around by a few equally as snobby looking men. I decided to wait ‘till she was alone before I’d catch her to take to the Sheriff… And so I did… And then…”
The other three leaned in even further, eyebrows high and mouths agape.
“I was attacked by a duck”
“...?”
“The bastard was working for her! It was called ‘Karoo’ and it was fucking huge!” Zoro vaguely waved his arms around in an attempt to describe the size of ‘Karoo’ .
The looks of confusion quickly left Sanji and Nami’s faces as they came to a haunting realisation.
“...Zoro” Nami muttered “The girl… did she happen to have long blue-ish hair?”
“Yeah, how did you know? You saw her wanted poster too?”
‘ZORO’S AN IDIOT!’ Nami and Sanji thought in unison, shock and horror overriding their expressions.
“YOU JACKASS! THAT WASN’T A BOUNTY POSTER! Lady Nefatari Vivi is a refined, sophisticated lady- not like you’d know anything about such a lifestyle.” Sanji shouted “She’s visiting our town for a few days and the Sheriff put up notices so we could prepare! But APPARENTLY that’s too much to ask for from thick-skulled imbeciles like YOU!”
“...Is that so? Can I have my beer now?”
Sanji stumbled back, face flushed from Zoro’s blatant indifference. He struggled to find the words to snap back with, instead resorting to spitting insults in French in low murmurs as he filled a tankard.
‘So the princess is in town already, huh?’ Nami thought to herself. Her disposable income has been running dry recently, maybe this could be seen as an opportunity?
Setting down Zoro’s drink, Sanji immediately recognised Nami’s plotting expression.
“Nami, my sweet. You’ll always have my unwavering support, but this is a bad idea. You might end up like the dufus over there- or worse.” He looked askance.
“Oh please, you underestimate me.” Nami laughed, finally popping one of the canelé into her mouth.
She shuffled out from her stool and strutted out the door as she waved goodbye to the others.
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The sun violently blinded Nami for a moment due to the stark difference between the low-lit bar and the blazing summer. She pulled the brim of her hat down to cast much needed shade over her face. Her outfit was quite impractical for the stunt she wanted to pull off, a rudimentary cross of a typical bumpkin and the idealistic Eastern ‘lone wanderer’ type. Basically, not how she wanted to present to someone so noble. But alas, if she gets everything right then her outfit wouldn't matter.
‘It’s likely their guard will be up after the incident with Zoro, I need to be careful.’ Nami wandered around town, her back clung to any nearby wall as she turned corners. ‘Perhaps they’re stalling at a Bank… or perhaps the Mayor’s-’
“Excuse me? I believe I’m lost.” A feminine voice stammered from out of Nami’s field of sight.
“Sorry, I’m busy-” Nami turned to face the other “OH- but I can… I can make time for you, my Lady!”
‘NEFERTARI!?’
Nami desperately tried to mask her utter bewilderment with a friendly smile. Vivi adorned a simple, somewhat outdated, white dress with a perfectly tailored empire waistline and simplistic golden highlights. Her hair cascaded down her back in neat curls, topped off with a wide brim straw hat decorated with exotic feathers. Around her neck was an incredibly flashy necklace made up of dozens of smaller white crystals with large red and green gemstones in the centre.
Nami’s eyes almost immediately darted to the necklace, her mind already formulating plans on how to steal it. This led to her missing the imperative of Vivi’s coordinate, the expression of worry and confusion she wore on her face.
“Right…” The princess defensively rested her gloved hand over her collar, taking note of Nami’s poorly disguised stares, “I don’t believe we’ve met. My name is Nefatari Vivi, and your name is?”
“Nami. Nami Bell-mère. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Nami bowed awkwardly, realising her mistake. “What brings you here?”
“My Father’s here for a business trip. I decided to join to see the frontier for myself,” Vivi responded, sparing a glance to admire her surroundings, regardless of how mundane the shabby town would seem to most.
“I could take you around! I know this old town like the palm of my hand.”
“...That would be nice,”
As the seasoned criminal she was, Nami had done her homework. She was vaguely aware of the princess’s hobbies and personality, so she knew exactly where around town to show her to. And so, minutes turned into hours as Nami toured the princess around Loguetown.
As they walked from boutique to library to the decorative train station and back to the town square, they spoke about a broad array of topics from the weather to politics.
“How about we go somewhere a bit more personal to me?”
“I’d love to!”
And so, Nami led Vivi to the Baratie, the sun beginning to hang low in the sky.
“Here it is,” Nami swung open the serrated door
“...” Vivi restrained the urge to comment on what she thought to be outdated, gaudy decor. Her father probably wouldn’t approve of her making enemies on day one.
“Lady Nefatari?” The bartender noticed the two walk in from across the bar.
Vivi’s stomach dropped. She knew she’d hardly fit in out here but to be called out so soon? It made her dread the thousands of possibilities for the impending few minutes.
With a dry swallow, Vivi’s lips cracked a polite smile, “Thank you for having me.”
“My pleasure!” He grinned.
The bar erupted back into its usual hum of conversation and laughter. The princess let out a breath that's been welling up in her throat since the moment they walked through the front door.
“I’ll introduce you to my friends,” Nami noticed Vivi’s unsettled expression, “They’ll love you.”
The couple walked over to the counter where the others were bickering and laughing as per usual.
Nami gestured to the empty stool beside Luffy. Vivi awkwardly shuffled into the space.
“AND THEN- …Who’s this?” Luffy raised an eyebrow.
“My name is Nefatari Vivi of Alabasta. Pleased to make your acquaintance.” Vivi introduced herself, extending a hand.
Luffy glanced down at the hand then back up to Vivi.
“...Why d’ya talk like that ?”
“DUMBASS!” Sanji slapped Luffy across the back of his head, “I gravely apologise for this idiot’s insolence, Madame.”
Vivi’s face flushed a bright red.
“GOD! Can’t you guys please just be normal this once!?” Nami groaned into her hands.
Glances shot around the group in acknowledgement.
Luffy finally reached out and shook Vivi’s stiff hand. “Nice to meet ya’, Bibi! I’m Monkey D. Luffy!”
Vivi’s posture softened as she shook his hand, ignoring the indisputable feeling of grime.
“...Wait, ‘Bibi’? ”
Zoro lent back in his stool, peering around Luffy.
“Roronoa Zoro. Nice to meet you… again.” His eyes were obviously averted with embarrassment from their previous encounter.
“I’m Sanji. Hope we get along,” He winked, which was swiftly met with a nasty sneer from Nami.
“Are we done with introductions yet? Let's get some drinks already!” Nami cheered.
Vivi’s face melted into a grin as she joined the conviviality.
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Shouts and jeers filled the air as the stagnant atmosphere was replaced by a festive, drunken one. Vivi found herself feeling increasingly comfortable with the crew. Whether it was due to Luffy’s undoubtedly insane ice breakers, Sanji’s frankly pathetic and hopefully satire attempts at chivalry, Zoro’s borderline slapstick work stories and Nami’s seemingly effortless way of driving conversation.
She was constantly making witty jokes, announcing competitions and provoking arguments. It made her overwhelmingly charismatic. If Vivi had known the people in the West were so charming, she would’ve come earlier!
The mood was high as drink after drink was chugged, roars of laughter frequently piping up.
Vivi held her tankard close to her chest as she giggled at Zoro’s run-in with ‘a fish shit so big, it’s mistaken for an island’ before feeling a soft hand tap her shoulder.
“Care to join me?” Nami took a big swig of her drink before offering her hand in a bow.
“Ah- Yes!” Vivi settled down her tankard.
Nami pulled Vivi’s wrist, drawing her from the bar to the large open space in the centre of the saloon.
The princess blushed deeply; Vivi never learnt to dance as she’d never been to a ball before due to her father’s fear of her being swept up by some dough-faced old man. But obviously, this time’s different. Her and Nami are the only ones on the floor.
Perhaps Nami doesn't know how to dance either! With no offence meant, she didn't exactly dress like someone who did. A flurry of what-ifs swirled around her head and then…
Nami took her hand and held her waist as she began to sway. The music was barely audible as booming burly voices overlapped it, but loud enough for its rhythm to be adapted into the light movements.
Step, step, turn.
Step, step, turn.
As the two waltzed and swirled around the room, the chatter died out until the music was perfectly clear, only low murmurs disrupting the melody.
Vivi looked immaculate as she weaved in and out of the warm glow of the lanterns. Her deep brown eyes shone like pots of the finest honey as the lights lit up her face, only to flicker to being dark and mysterious a moment later.
Nami couldn’t even begin to imagine what stories, hopes, fears were living on behind those soft eyes.
Vivi could only dream of the thrilling goal-oriented life of a ‘cowboy ’. A knot grew in her stomach as the thought dwelled in the back of her mind. But for now, she’d focus on the present. It is a gift, after all.
“That looks fun!” Luffy chipped in “I wanna turn!”
Half the bar let out a collective groan at his inability to read the room.
“Sanji, dance with me!”
Sanji sighed. “I don’t have time to dance. I actually work here, remember?”
“Whatever, fine!” Luffy whined in frustration, “ZORO! Dance! Me! NOW!! ”
“I thought you’d never ask,” Zoro smirked, stumbling over to the newly designated dance floor with Luffy, obviously drunk.
More and more people, with the help of booze, flocked to join the dancers; the ballroom- esque movements swiftly devolved into a cluster of brash party moves.
The thrill from being in such a rowdy crowd with the buzz from the alcohol was electrifying. Vivi could only compare it to the pure joy she felt playing freely as a child, without expectations or responsibilities.But she also couldn’t help but notice the increasingly absurd amount her new friends were downing.
Nami scooped Vivi up by her back and legs, partially to show off her strength but also…
“What’re you doing?” Vivi questioned, still snickering from the excitement of the night.
Nami grinned down at her before wordlessly crawling onto the bar’s counter, knocking several glasses to the floor.
SMASH! CRASH!
Sanji immediately moved to clean the mess of shattered glass. “Nami dear! What’re y-”
“AH-AH! SHADDUP! ”
‘Ah…’ Sanji mused ‘She’s gone.’
Nami stomped her foot down on the counter as she stood up straight on the counter, Vivi still in her arms, totally perplexed.
The whole bar stopped singing and dancing for only a minute to stare at what was causing so much ruckus; Nami stood tall with an overzealous look of determination on her face.
“LISTEN UP! THIS GIRL RIGHT HERE,” Nami was slurring her words.
“SHE’S GUNNA BE MAH WWWW- '' Nami stopped, her face suddenly drew pale.
Vivi was ferociously blushing, “I-I’ll be your…?”
“M– ahh my wi- …guh-” Nami gently let Vivi down before violently retching into the nearest corner.
“Ah! Are you ok?” Vivi rushed to pat Nami on the back, “The bathroom.. Where’s your bathroom, Sanji?”
“In the back, you’ll see the sign.” Sanji smiled, unable to help as he collected shards of glass into a rugged hand towel.
“Thank you.” Vivi guided Nami to the bathroom, hauling the other’s arm over her shoulder for support.
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Vivi cautiously held back Nami’s orange hair as she heaved and coughed into the basin.
“Ack… Thanks- ah… what am I supposed to be calling you?” Nami groggily questioned, mind too hazy to feel embarrassed about asking such a question so late.
“...Vivi. Just Vivi.”
Nami smiled, leaning away from the basin. “I need some fresh air…”
Vivi held Nami’s hand as the two stumbled up and out of the back door then round to the front of the saloon to sit on the porch’s steps. The cool air blew the princess’s long azure hair in such a way it looked like a distant galaxy in the dark night sky, causing Nami to silently swoon. The way the moonlight shimmered and reflected off of Vivi’s crystalline jewellery naturally, also caught Nami’s eye.
Noticing this, Vivi frowned. “How much did you have to drink? You’re squiffy.”
“Ahh, y’know! Only like seven… or eight.”
“Seven or eight what?”
“...Maybe ten.”
Vivi chuckled, sighing.
The couple sat in comfortable silence for a little while, wordlessly enjoying one another’s presence. Stargazing isn't something one could do all that frequently; Vivi often found herself cooped up inside the palace adhering to a strict schedule and Nami simply didn't ‘stop to smell the flowers’ all that often.
But when you stop dreaming about or indulging in a life of perceived luxury, it’s only natural to just stop and look.
Vivi rested her head on Nami’s shoulder, her eyelids growing heavy. Nami’s lack of acknowledgement or resistance worked as silent approval.
“Lady Vivi? I finally found you!”
Vivi’s eyes shot open at the sound of a familiar voice. “Pell?”
Nami looked up at the tall man, slightly intimidated by his decorative white robes and striking purple makeup that made him somewhat resemble a falcon.
“Are you ok? I’ve been looking everywhere for you! Thankfully I came across Ms. All Sunday and she led me here.” Pell explained.
Nami scuttled up to greet Pell. Of course she knows about the Commander of Alabasta’s Royal Guards, and now if she makes a good impression she'll be more likely to make a clean getaway later. Though she wasn't sure who this ‘Ms. All Sunday’ was.
“Good evening. My name is Nami Belle-mere” She feigned sobriety, extending her hand. “Princess Nefertari is well,”
Pell smiled, firmly shaking her hand. “Thank you, commoner.”
Nami recoiled slightly at the somewhat diminutive title, but smiled nonetheless.
“My lady, you have to return to the estate posthaste!”
“But Pell! I- I’m having fun! Let me stay a little longer.”
“It’s not safe here.” Pell argued.
“But I’m fine? Just let me have this!” Vivi protested.
Pell opened his mouth to retort but couldn’t find it in him to say no to Vivi’s pouting face.
“I… Right. I’ll be back tomorrow morning.” Pell weakly smiled, shooting a trusting glance at Nami as he walked away.
Nami’s posture relaxed once he left, “Should we call it a night, Vivi? There are some rooms above the bar,”
Vivi turned beet red. “Y-Yes!”
Nami giggled, playfully punching Vivi’s shoulder, “Not like that! I’m just exhausted,”
The princess nodded in embarrassment as they walked back into the saloon.
Since they’d left, the atmosphere had definitely settled down, most people having returned to their tables to chat and drink. Zoro and Luffy’s usual stools were notably empty.
“Nami and Kiki’s back!”
Nami spun around, spotting the duo in a booth by the entrance. Interestingly, there was another person sat with them. A woman sat with crossed arms, her face covered by the brim of her purple outback hat.
“It’s good to see you again, Ms. All Sunday!” Vivi seemingly recognised the woman instantly from just her hat.
‘ Ms. All Sunday? Here? ’ Nami mentally questioned. And then, with the reveal of the mysterious woman’s face as she took off her hat, things got much more confusing.
“It’s a small world, it seems.” Robin smiled.
Nami gasped, “What’re you doing back so soon? You only left about a week ago,”
“It almost sounds like you don’t want me here,” Robin teased, “I just wanted to make sure our dear Princess was out of harm's way~”
“Seems she has an elite army of an oversized duck and a lost Philly’ lawyer…” Zoro mumbled.
“Was that a compliment?” Robin laughed, tugging Zoro’s cheek. “I came here to check on Miss Nefatari on my own accord. I’m not affiliated with Alabasta anymore.”
Luffy cocked his head to the side. “You’re not a-what-what with what anymore?”
Nami had the same questions as Luffy. “You’ve never mentioned this before?”
“It didn't seem important,” Robin shrugged.
Vivi shifted, mildly irritated, “I truly appreciate it, but I don’t need protection anymore.”
Robin raised an eyebrow. “I see that now, you’ve grown since I last saw you.”
“Thank you.” Vivi beamed.
“Go on like I’m not here, I’m just catching up with some friends.” Robin gestured for Nami and Vivi to move along before turning back to Luffy and Zoro, a delicate cup of tea in hand.
The girls rushed upstairs, laughing and gushing about the events of the evening. They stumbled into the first empty room they found, kicking off their shoes before falling onto a bed together, catching their breath on the soft white sheets.
Nami propped her head up on her arm, “Should I sleep on the floor?”
“No, the bed’s fine,”
Vivi smiled warmly as she got up from the bed, beginning to slip off her dress and florally decorated straw hat. Nami heaved herself up, peeling off her scarves and leather tunic until she was in only her undershirt and bloomers. By the time she’d haggled off her belts and braces, Vivi was already tucked into bed in just her slip.
Nami took a moment to admire the other. Taking another second to catch her breath, Nami slipped into the warmth of the covers.
“Good night.”
“Sweet dreams,”
Nami’s mind was too clouded by the influence of alcohol to coherently process the situation she was in as she drifted to sleep, wrapping her arms around Vivi.
Vivi’s mind, however, was in total inarticulation.
‘Where do I put my hands?’ ‘Are we supposed to keep talking?’ ‘Is this just what friends do?’
Her hands shook as she cautiously returned the hug expecting a complaint from Nami, but rather she was met with the sound of her soft breathing which successfully silenced her worries and lulled her to sleep.
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Rays of sunlight blared through the gaps in the decorative curtain, forcing Nami’s eyes to flutter open.
“I think I’ve fallen in love with you,” Vivi thoughtlessly muttered.
Nami couldn't help but feel her heart burn as a wave of heat burnt the tips of her ears and scratched at her cheeks. Huddled together in the messy sheets, the two women lay. Faces mere centimetres apart, the warm haze of the morning hung over them
The princess's peach lips parted to speak as she rapidly attempted to think of a way to explain or excuse what she’d said. The corners of her lips curved into an awkward smile, realising she’d hesitated for a few moments too long.
“Love?” The ginger laughed.
Despite her nonchalant response, Nami was internally screaming in panic and confusion, she got far too drunk to remember half of what happened the night before. ‘We didn’t do anything, did we??’
An expression of worry flashed across Vivi’s face. Perhaps she had been too forward? Perhaps she’d been wrong to yearn for another woman, especially that of a commoner. Or maybe, Nami was hungover and therefore unable to properly process a word she was saying.
Much to the princess’s relief, a wide grin of pure affection swifty grew on Nami’s face followed by a firm grip placed on the other’s hands as her expression settled. Her lips began to close the measly gap between the two.
Dark eyes spiralled in confusion before squeezing shut in anticipation of the kiss.
“...Oh to kiss you,” Nami muttered, lips hovering over lips.
“You may!” Vivi insisted.
Nami groaned “No- no, it’s just-”
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Someone was knocking on the door! Vivi yelped as she rolled out of the bed, practically jumping into her dress and frantically pacing around the room as she fiddled with the clasp on her necklace.
Nami on the other hand, was desperately trying to evaluate her means of escape- or hiding.
“VIVI! IT’S ELEVEN! YOU’RE LATE.”
“Bugger!” Vivi hissed under her breath, shooting a quick panicked glance at Nami as though she accidentally cursed her entire bloodline.
BANG! BANG!
“ONE MOMENT!” Vivi yelled back.
She hopped into her shoes and ran to the door. Hesitating as she reached for the handle, Vivi turned back to Nami.
“Thank you,” She whispered with a small bow before dashing out of the room, still adjusting her hat to her head.
Nami stood by the unmade bed, bewildered. “No problem…”
Snapping out her trance, Nami came to a crushing realisation.
“Shit…” Nami whined, slumping down onto the bed
‘I forgot to steal the damn thing!’