(Somehow Luffy's room is about as basic as it had been upon his arrival, as if recognising that the young pirate captain would spend more time out of it than in it. There's the odd piece of clothing here and there, but nothing that would present a major issue to a skilled infiltrator like Nami.
He sleeps easily, deep breaths occasionally littered with a small snore here and there as if bragging that his rest is a good one. And usually it is; by some mercy of nature, Luffy is the kind to sleep flat out for five hours anywhere he needs to before starting the day again, as if all the chaotic and energetic dealings of the day take their hold. Tonight is no exception to that. He'd fallen asleep plotting his way over the gate again, debating if he should launch himself over it rather than climbing. To look into the kitchen to understand where the supplies come from. Something, anything to say he's working on getting them out of this place.
The alternative is to accept they're staying for as long as the family intends, and to Luffy that's a defeat he's not willing to concede. The idea that his crew, his friends, have been caught up in something like this before is abhorrent and every night before sleep Luffy promises himself he'll find a way out for them all. He has to.
A deep sleep doesn't save him from consciousness as a figure suddenly flops on top of him and he stirs with an almost lazy, unconcerned motion as one eye cracks open to spy a shock of orange hair. Nami. It had to be serious if Nami is the one initiating a hug and for once in his life Luffy keeps his energy levels low, unaware of how close he had come to losing his navigator as he gently rests a hand at her back.)
( she says it miserably, muffled in the curve of his shoulder, immediately wishing she had the sense to just leave instead of making a huge fuss over what ended up being absolutely nothing. at the same time, she’s grateful her brain wasn’t working well enough to stop her impulse — she moves her legs, kicks off her shoes until they thunk on the floor, resettling herself against him. luffy gives great hugs, that’s all.
possibly, also, luffy is affectionate enough that she knows he wouldn’t kick her out. at least, she’s pretty sure. she decides not to think about it too hard, because coming to rely on anyone for anything, including a hug, is just setting yourself up for failure. nami knows this well, intimately. she only has herself. maybe she sometimes has luffy, or zoro, too. that’s it. )
( Luffy doesn't know how heartbreak feels, but he is pretty sure it's the same feeling that just went through his chest at the single, syllable answer from Nami. No. She wasn't okay, and whatever it is bothering the young woman is enough to have the redhead coming to his room in the middle of the night.
There's a moment of quiet as Nami settles back down, the room dark enough to be comforting, silence broken occasionally by a muffled fromage from the corner of the room as the transponder snail dreams of psychic sheep. It could almost be considered peaceful if not for the fact that something had driven Nami to seek him out and Luffy resists the urge to demand answers. Instead he merely reaches to one side, grabbing the blanket and pulling it over the both of them as he gets comfortable once more against Nami's warmth. )
Don't be, I can sleep anytime. ( His voice is low, drowsy and quiet as if speaking too loudly will disturb the whole thing. There's only a few seconds before he tentatively broaches the subject. ) Want to talk about it?
( presumably, this was coming. despite any intentions of a quick in and out, no fuss detachment, it actually is a little concerning to wake someone up by clinging to them like a barnacle on the ugly side of a ship. nami sighs, her breath hot against his neck, before she eases off of him, more pressed to his side than laying directly on top. her hand curls on top of his chest, hiding most of her face. )
I was just upset. It’s fine.
( her best attempt at a non answer. and yet — nami finds she does want to talk about it. kind of. take a load off with her captain, and his busted snail. take advantage of the fact that luffy is like a bottomless sea of optimism and effortless humor, unless you touch his hat.
leaning back, she looks up at him, reaching for it. she snorts a laugh, though it’s not really for humor’s sake, but because she’s more familiar with crying as of now. her eyes are red and her throat is gravelly. she pats the hat down on his head, over his eyes. )
( Nami doesn't seem to want to talk about it and Luffy doesn't press the matter directly. Hearing that something has upset the other is akin to a gut punch and instantly Luffy is already making note that he'll sort it some way or another. Whatever it is. The sentiment will still hold should he find out it's the crew all aggravating each other; a crew needed to stick together after all.
He tilts his head back, brown eyes blinking with bewilderment before his vision is obscured by the brim of his hat. Ah, he'd forgotten to take it off, too caught up in plotting another daring escape route to prepare for sleep properly and he gives a grin. )
You could say it's my thinking hat, I think better with it on. ( Luffy knows it opens himself up for commentary on how little he actually thinks, but the motion still stands in his mind as he lifts it from his head to unceremoniously pat it down on to Nami's. ) You can borrow it for tonight only.
( And with that Luffy shifts down a little under the blankets, hand sliding to rest comfortably at the small of Nami's back once again as he rests his chin atop of her head. ) You gonna be okay?
( it’s not the first time she’s worn luffy’s hat. at first, she thought his emotional connection to it was ludicrous, because finding sentiment in anything is like painting a target on the spot that hurts you most — that what hurts luffy most happens to be a shoddy, old hat is spit on the fire. but now, after a few defeats and a few crowning moments, she’s started her own kind of relationship with luffy’s hat. that’s luffy’s friendship manifest. that’s a little piece of him he opts to give her, easily, without any struggle. it’s almost better than a hug, if only because she knows luffy gives out hugs like a different person gives out high-fives, but only his close confidants are ever close enough to touch his hat. it’s a comfort, one nami isn’t sure she deserves, but she feels her face crumpling on his chest once his hat settles over her, body tucked in close to his. her shoulders shake a little, hand fisting in his shirt. )
Uh.
( well, that’s pathetic. once upon a time the extent of nami’s emotional care was to a village that hated her, a dead mom, a murderous sister. now? she’s crying over luffy’s stupid hat. embarrassing. )
Uh huh! ( she sniffs, easing out the tension from her body, spilling over him like melted butter. she faceplants back into his chest. ) Uh huh, yep, I’m okay. Thinking, I guess. You don’t think — ( she cuts herself off in a weird, gasping breath, rubbing her nose against him. ) You don’t regret adding me to the crew, do you?
(It seems that Luffy's hat and tears go hand in hand most occasions when it winds up on someone else's head. The last time had been at the Conomi Islands, something that somehow feels so far away now that Luffy thinks about it. A million miles away from his bed in the manor, where he can feel how Nami presses her face against his chest to hide her tears. Shaking shoulders give her away and the feeling of heart break twists in his chest again as Luffy can't help but feel concern.
The last tears for Nami had been dragged out by Arlong and his crew. What could do similar in a place like this?
Not that there's much time to think it over or query when Nami takes Luffy's breath audibly away with her question. How could that thought even form in Nami's mind so firmly it needed to be asked out loud? Regrets aren't Luffy's thing, the idea of looking back and lamenting over events not his style. But even now he can't help but wonder if there's something he's missed over the last few weeks that could cause such an ordeal for Nami, and he takes a breath, making sure to tighten the hug just a little to ensure his point gets across.)
Never. There could be a million navigators and I would always choose you. You're Nami, why wouldn't I want you on the crew?
( she lets loose something like a wounded sound — i would always choose you. you're nami. why it means a lot more when it comes from luffy she can only guess, but it's probably because somewhere along the way she started to trust him, possibly and probably more than she trusts herself. it's a terrible revelation. nami doesn't trust anyone. she can't possibly trust that, heart wrenching and perfect as it is to hear, that her stay in luffy's life might be more permanent than any other relationship in her life. she sits up, blanket pooling around her waist, pressing her fingertips over her eyelids and letting loose a weighty sigh, shaking her head. )
Because.
( nami hands fall, the look she sends luffy over her shoulder equal parts self-flagellation and exasperation with herself. she shrugs animatedly, like it's a good enough reason — because, that's how it is. that's who i am. nothing about me is meant to be anything more than temporary. )
I'm hard to get along with. And — I make everything harder. Worse. I've been nothing but a pest to you since I joined, and I've tried to leave more times than you know. You should look for another navigator. You should want me gone.
(It isn't quite the reaction Luffy had expected, a small piece of him believing they'd just settle down and snooze away. Nami seems almost upset by the response, as if his words have cut deep in some way and the young man is already pulling himself up into a sitting position, brow lightly furrowed with a hint of concern.)
You've helped more than you know and you didn't leave even though you could have. That says a lot. (Is Luffy surprised to hear Nami tried to leave? A little, but there's no disappointment or judgement with that knowledge, only a small hint of questioning that Luffy opts to save for later. For now he's only focusing on Nami, the way her shoulders hunch and then shrug as if trying to stave something off.)
Hmm. I think you're amazing. You can fight, you know what you're doing, and you're my friend. (Luffy can't help but speak plainly, simply and without hesitation. There's no need to cover things up with honeyed words or fake promises when it's the truth. The smile Luffy gives Nami is warm, small and personal.) If you weren't worth it we would never have gone to get you from Arlong.
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no subject
He sleeps easily, deep breaths occasionally littered with a small snore here and there as if bragging that his rest is a good one. And usually it is; by some mercy of nature, Luffy is the kind to sleep flat out for five hours anywhere he needs to before starting the day again, as if all the chaotic and energetic dealings of the day take their hold. Tonight is no exception to that. He'd fallen asleep plotting his way over the gate again, debating if he should launch himself over it rather than climbing. To look into the kitchen to understand where the supplies come from. Something, anything to say he's working on getting them out of this place.
The alternative is to accept they're staying for as long as the family intends, and to Luffy that's a defeat he's not willing to concede. The idea that his crew, his friends, have been caught up in something like this before is abhorrent and every night before sleep Luffy promises himself he'll find a way out for them all. He has to.
A deep sleep doesn't save him from consciousness as a figure suddenly flops on top of him and he stirs with an almost lazy, unconcerned motion as one eye cracks open to spy a shock of orange hair. Nami. It had to be serious if Nami is the one initiating a hug and for once in his life Luffy keeps his energy levels low, unaware of how close he had come to losing his navigator as he gently rests a hand at her back.)
...You ok?
no subject
( she says it miserably, muffled in the curve of his shoulder, immediately wishing she had the sense to just leave instead of making a huge fuss over what ended up being absolutely nothing. at the same time, she’s grateful her brain wasn’t working well enough to stop her impulse — she moves her legs, kicks off her shoes until they thunk on the floor, resettling herself against him. luffy gives great hugs, that’s all.
possibly, also, luffy is affectionate enough that she knows he wouldn’t kick her out. at least, she’s pretty sure. she decides not to think about it too hard, because coming to rely on anyone for anything, including a hug, is just setting yourself up for failure. nami knows this well, intimately. she only has herself. maybe she sometimes has luffy, or zoro, too. that’s it. )
Sorry I woke you up. Go back to sleep.
no subject
There's a moment of quiet as Nami settles back down, the room dark enough to be comforting, silence broken occasionally by a muffled fromage from the corner of the room as the transponder snail dreams of psychic sheep. It could almost be considered peaceful if not for the fact that something had driven Nami to seek him out and Luffy resists the urge to demand answers. Instead he merely reaches to one side, grabbing the blanket and pulling it over the both of them as he gets comfortable once more against Nami's warmth. )
Don't be, I can sleep anytime. ( His voice is low, drowsy and quiet as if speaking too loudly will disturb the whole thing. There's only a few seconds before he tentatively broaches the subject. ) Want to talk about it?
no subject
I was just upset. It’s fine.
( her best attempt at a non answer. and yet — nami finds she does want to talk about it. kind of. take a load off with her captain, and his busted snail. take advantage of the fact that luffy is like a bottomless sea of optimism and effortless humor, unless you touch his hat.
leaning back, she looks up at him, reaching for it. she snorts a laugh, though it’s not really for humor’s sake, but because she’s more familiar with crying as of now. her eyes are red and her throat is gravelly. she pats the hat down on his head, over his eyes. )
You sleep in this?
no subject
He tilts his head back, brown eyes blinking with bewilderment before his vision is obscured by the brim of his hat. Ah, he'd forgotten to take it off, too caught up in plotting another daring escape route to prepare for sleep properly and he gives a grin. )
You could say it's my thinking hat, I think better with it on. ( Luffy knows it opens himself up for commentary on how little he actually thinks, but the motion still stands in his mind as he lifts it from his head to unceremoniously pat it down on to Nami's. ) You can borrow it for tonight only.
( And with that Luffy shifts down a little under the blankets, hand sliding to rest comfortably at the small of Nami's back once again as he rests his chin atop of her head. ) You gonna be okay?
no subject
Uh.
( well, that’s pathetic. once upon a time the extent of nami’s emotional care was to a village that hated her, a dead mom, a murderous sister. now? she’s crying over luffy’s stupid hat. embarrassing. )
Uh huh! ( she sniffs, easing out the tension from her body, spilling over him like melted butter. she faceplants back into his chest. ) Uh huh, yep, I’m okay. Thinking, I guess. You don’t think — ( she cuts herself off in a weird, gasping breath, rubbing her nose against him. ) You don’t regret adding me to the crew, do you?
no subject
The last tears for Nami had been dragged out by Arlong and his crew. What could do similar in a place like this?
Not that there's much time to think it over or query when Nami takes Luffy's breath audibly away with her question. How could that thought even form in Nami's mind so firmly it needed to be asked out loud? Regrets aren't Luffy's thing, the idea of looking back and lamenting over events not his style. But even now he can't help but wonder if there's something he's missed over the last few weeks that could cause such an ordeal for Nami, and he takes a breath, making sure to tighten the hug just a little to ensure his point gets across.)
Never. There could be a million navigators and I would always choose you. You're Nami, why wouldn't I want you on the crew?
no subject
Because.
( nami hands fall, the look she sends luffy over her shoulder equal parts self-flagellation and exasperation with herself. she shrugs animatedly, like it's a good enough reason — because, that's how it is. that's who i am. nothing about me is meant to be anything more than temporary. )
I'm hard to get along with. And — I make everything harder. Worse. I've been nothing but a pest to you since I joined, and I've tried to leave more times than you know. You should look for another navigator. You should want me gone.
no subject
You've helped more than you know and you didn't leave even though you could have. That says a lot. (Is Luffy surprised to hear Nami tried to leave? A little, but there's no disappointment or judgement with that knowledge, only a small hint of questioning that Luffy opts to save for later. For now he's only focusing on Nami, the way her shoulders hunch and then shrug as if trying to stave something off.)
Hmm. I think you're amazing. You can fight, you know what you're doing, and you're my friend. (Luffy can't help but speak plainly, simply and without hesitation. There's no need to cover things up with honeyed words or fake promises when it's the truth. The smile Luffy gives Nami is warm, small and personal.) If you weren't worth it we would never have gone to get you from Arlong.