it works, moves around and stops. i still prefer sailing, but it helps to have these cars to get around. one of my crew has one with an arm on it, there's all different kinds!
would say now but i got to get some food for it first.
you good for food? i have a guy on my crew who can make the most amazing meals out of very few ingredients. he's the best. we can make you something if you need?
( Surprisingly, Luffy seems to be the keeper of secrets in this place. He simply scoots over to put his back to the wall, making space for Nami without causing a ruckus for once. )
[ Internally prepared to dodge any and all of Luffy's questions, Nami moves as quietly as a cat (burglar), sneaking from the room she shares with Zoro, where the swordsman snores on obliviously, into the newly revealed adjoining room Luffy and Usopp split.
She's already shushing him under her breath as she climbs up the side of the bunk bed before hoisting herself into the top bunk. ] Don't make too much noise. [ In case the shushing didn't make that obvious. ] Get closer dummy. [ Like she could ever admit, directly, that she came specifically to hang onto him and be silently grateful that he's here to cuddle up to. ]
( Luffy can honestly say he's been delighted to arrive in a strange place and not only find his crew, but other new friends and a place to stay. Sleeping in a bunk bed in a shared room is zero problem for him, and he listens carefully as Nami eventually makes her way over before climbing on up.
He's always impressed at how stealthy his navigator can be when she doesn't want to be heard. )
I'm not making noise. ( Even Luffy has the sense to keep his voice down, not wanting to wake anyone as he scoots closer, pulling the blanket up over the both of them. Whatever is going on, Luffy will think it over later. Sometimes things just happened and people needed their friends around, and had any of the others asked to share a bunk, Luffy would have made space for them too.)
[ The comment about her snoring gets Luffy a poke in the side, though it doesn't stop her from burrowing under the blanket and scooting over until she's snuggled up against his side. ]
Even if I do snore, no I don't. [ She doesn't, but just in case, better to get the facts straightened out now. Nami rolls over, her arm wrapping around Luffy's middle, tugging him closer even though there's not exactly anywhere else for him to go. ]
It's been pretty fucked up without you. [ Nami whispers, her cheek resting on his shoulder, quietly watching his face in profile. ]
( The poke to his side is taken with good nature, Luffy shuffling a little to get comfortable once Nami rests against his shoulder. He can't imagine what it had to be like, turning up in such a strange place and not knowing if the others were around. How weird it would have been if he had turned up and no-one else had been there to help him out? Just the idea of it has his nose wrinkling. Luckily, he has the foresight to keep his own voice low and quiet. )
You did great, I'm proud of everyone. When I arrived, everyone was there to help me find my way, and now I can return the favor. ( How is anyone's guess and Luffy doesn't elaborate. Being a captain is never a one way thing, and Luffy knows it's on him to make sure nothing bad happens to his crew and to those considered friends as well. )
[ She settles, but only just, and only barely, before she's reaching over her shoulder to grab his arm and wrap it around her. ] Great would imply I already knew how to get us away from this place. [ But his words do matter, and she relaxes against him while they take root in her mind, the arm draped across his middle hugging him just the slightest bit tighter as she presses her eyes closed. ]
There's something wrong with the ocean here. I've been to the shore, and it's–
[ The frown on her face tightens, obviously leagues away from actually relaxing, despite the cuddling she's currently forcing upon him. ]
Haunted-feeling. The ghost of an ocean, instead of a real, living one like the East Blue. [ Another reason to be grateful for Luffy's presence. The ocean, like the rest of the Diadem, feel too off-kilter for Nami to think she'll ever fully wrap her head around this place. ] Nothing sails on it, and the only ships I've found, are wrecks. No logbooks, or anything.
( Luffy listens, resting the side of his cheek atop Nami's head without a word. He can understand that feeling, of not being able to navigate a crew out from somewhere. But navigators needed their tools, they needed their maps, and Luffy isn't certain any of those are around right now. The entire crew have done their best with what they have, and the pirate captain couldn't be prouder. He makes a mental note to look for map making equipment on his next venture. )
A haunted ocean? ( The concept isn't sinking in and Luffy struggles to envisage it in his mind. ) Kind of like it's there but can't be used?
( Weird, but for this place it tracks, and Luffy gives what he hopes is a reassuring squeeze, knowing a hug would most likely get him smacked for it. ) We'll figure it out, don't worry.
[ Blessedly, she landed here with her staff and most of her gear, but let's be real – if Luffy takes the time to get her something to help her make maps, she'll use it, treasure it, and yell at him if he tries touching it. ]
Like it used to be an ocean, but died, and this is what got left behind, if that were possible. Back home the sea feels alive, and you know there's stuff down there, fish, plants, Sea Kings, but the Yawning Sea is different, it's more like a husk. I don't even want to touch it.
[ Ordinarily, she might bristle at the squeeze, but Nami hadn't invited herself over to maintain distance. He's a steadying presence, which is bizarre considering he's also the most unhinged man she's ever met, and the closeness helps soothe that unmoored feeling that's been eating away at her insides since her arrival. ]
Guess you've gotten us through weirder, haven't you?
( One day Luffy will attempt to make a map of his own in order to understand Nami some more. It would most likely start well, if not rough, only to dissolve into a wishlist of a menu on what to eat next....
Thinking of the sea is almost wistful, the jewel-like blues of the horizon, the ginormous sea kings just waiting to be fished up and cooked, waters beckoning in a way that hide how dangerous they really are to devil fruit eaters. It's enough to nearly have Luffy missing home, but the point is clear when it comes to the ghost-sea Nami talks of. An empty, lifeless, body of water. How sad. )
With you guys around, there's nothing I can't get us through. ( Luffy knows the crew are capable, even when he's not around, and there's not a doubt in his mind on such a thing as he speaks his words with conviction. ) Not even weird places like this one.
[ While anyone else saying something like that would make Nami roll her eyes, it's gratifying coming from him. It's been a long time since anyone believed the best in her. Luffy has done so from day one – for whatever insane reason.
She's quiet, her arms tightening around him, giving him a gentle hug in response. After weeks spent mulling over the problem that was their entire existence here, in a completely different world, and coming up with nothing but a few grim theories about the kind of place this was, being believed in is gratifying in a way she can't quite place. He's a good captain. ]
Promise me you won't do anything completely stupid before we do.
( The only thing that eclipses Luffy's love of food and meat, is the unwavering belief in his crew. Even when things had seemingly gone south with Nami, Luffy had decided to hear it from the navigator herself, not quite believing despite seeing. To him, this place is nothing more than another stepping stone to the Grand Line, something that will undoubtedly help them all grow stronger for the journey ahead.
The idea they could all be dead and in some weird kind of afterlife, or other some such grim theories, never enters his head. )
Stupid? Me?
( Luffy can't keep the smile out of his voice when he says it, knowing full well that he'll manage to do something that could be considered by other people as stupid. Zero shame. He falls quiet for a moment, obviously thinking of something before he finally tilts his head a little and simply asks. )
So, the last thing before coming here was going to get you out of that place. Did it work?
[ Stiffening against him in surprise, Nami's mouth twists into a small frown. She wasn't expecting to be asked about Arlong Park at all, but that Luffy seems to not know how everything turned out is like a bucket of cold water to the face. Disconcerting didn't do the feeling justice. ]
I'm here, aren't I? [ A slow, carefully spoken answer, as though Nami's trying to decide how to feel while giving it.
Another moment passes before she lifts her head, the expression on her face somewhere between fondness, and hesitation. ]
You don't remember anything after getting there? [ To Arlong Park. Don't make her say it. ]
Yeah, but you might have stayed with your sister back home.
( Even as Luffy says it, he knows it isn't the case. Nami's dreams weren't to stay on the Conomi Islands, but he's still curious to find out what happened. Usopp had alluded to it, that they had won, it just felt a bit odd knowing without feeling it. )
No, I was fighting with Arlong, and then the building started coming down, and then I woke up in this place. ( Luffy raises his eyebrows at Nami, not at all bothered by the conversation. ) Does that mean I missed a party?
( There's a pause before Luffy speaks next. ) I'm happy you're here with us. With what happened to Zoro, I don't want to lose anymore crew.
Some party. [ She starts, before falling quiet while she mulls over whether to tell him about Vice Admiral Garp, and his bounty or not. It's not a very long pause for thought, they may have only just begun to settle into life together as a crew, but Nami has already learned that for most things (other than snacks and a few other bits and pieces) honesty with Luffy is better than the alternative for a multitude of reasons. ]
Your grandfather turning up kind of spoiled the mood, but at least he didn't stick around.
[ She lifts herself enough to look down at him, and shrugs before reaching up to gently tug the end of one of his curls, smirking as it springs back into place. ]
Lucky you have the best navigator in the East Blue, huh? There's no losing anybody. Not even Zoro.
( Missing a part has Luffy's nose wrinkling more. Sure, he'll get to it when they get home most likely, but the thought is still there. Garp showing up isn't much of a surprise, however, as Luffy digests that information. )
Did he eat everything? He eats a lot.
( The fact it's Luffy saying that sure is something, enough to make Garp a little more mysterious when it comes to food intake and a little less so when it comes to familial ties. The irony is lost on Luffy and he returns the hair tug with the world's lightest nudge. Nami isn't leaving, or doesn't from the sounds of it, and that makes dropping a building on Arlong and himself all the worth it. Enough he'd do it again without hesitation. )
[ Shifting away as he nudges her, Nami shakes her head at the question. Like he's in any position to talk about anyone else eating a lot. She honestly doesn't believe it could be possible for a person to consume more than Luffy does in a sitting. ]
You guys kind of got into it, but, in the end, he just walked off. Didn't stay around to eat.
[ Which seemed to suit Luffy at the time, so hopefully hearing that will sit okay with Luffy from this point in time. ]
You really don't remember anything after bringing down Arlong Park?
( Luffy's relief is palpable at the idea Garp didn't just inhale all the food. He's still not sure why the other keeps bothering them, despite the fact the guy is a vice-admiral, and Luffy idly wonders if there's something more to it, unaware of their conversation soon to happen back home.
Nami's words are accepted as truth, there's no reason to disbelieve, even when the redhead asks him about the timing again. )
No, I don't remember doing it and I don't think I hit my head that hard. Even though they said I did when I got here.
[ It feels almost wrong, that he not remember something so incredibly momentous to her. The nature of time and space isn't something Nami pondered too heavily before ending up here, and even now, it gives her a headache when she tries to work out how everything fits together for herself.
Then again, it doesn't change much between them. He's ridiculous, just like always, and no less important to her despite not having saved her life quite yet before coming here. ]
When we're home again, I think you're going to like everything you missed.
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sometimes? i should use it more.
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how's it driving, then
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you checkin the fluids under the hood like i showed you?
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yeah. i even made sure to stop the engine last time too.
( Which means at one point, he checked with the engine running. )
sob i thought i replied to this
( He's just. Not gonna ask. )
good. you let me know if you need anything else
you're good this week eluded me anyway!
what about you? what do you need?
♥
i don't need anythin.
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really? everyone needs something.
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nah, i don't need anything
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you good for food? i have a guy on my crew who can make the most amazing meals out of very few ingredients. he's the best. we can make you something if you need?
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what is it?
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and sanji says we haven't got any, but he's still gonna make us some food! do you like pasta?
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yeah, pasta's good
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you are? ok he might be sleeping, but not snoring yet. everything ok?
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[ Maybe she's still rattled by the sudden reappearance and wants to make sure you can't go anywhere for a night, Luffy ]
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( Oblivious to the world and everything in it, this one. )
top bunk.
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coast is clear. come in whenever you want.
( Surprisingly, Luffy seems to be the keeper of secrets in this place. He simply scoots over to put his back to the wall, making space for Nami without causing a ruckus for once. )
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She's already shushing him under her breath as she climbs up the side of the bunk bed before hoisting herself into the top bunk. ] Don't make too much noise. [ In case the shushing didn't make that obvious. ] Get closer dummy. [ Like she could ever admit, directly, that she came specifically to hang onto him and be silently grateful that he's here to cuddle up to. ]
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He's always impressed at how stealthy his navigator can be when she doesn't want to be heard. )
I'm not making noise. ( Even Luffy has the sense to keep his voice down, not wanting to wake anyone as he scoots closer, pulling the blanket up over the both of them. Whatever is going on, Luffy will think it over later. Sometimes things just happened and people needed their friends around, and had any of the others asked to share a bunk, Luffy would have made space for them too.)
Hope you don't snore.
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Even if I do snore, no I don't. [ She doesn't, but just in case, better to get the facts straightened out now. Nami rolls over, her arm wrapping around Luffy's middle, tugging him closer even though there's not exactly anywhere else for him to go. ]
It's been pretty fucked up without you. [ Nami whispers, her cheek resting on his shoulder, quietly watching his face in profile. ]
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You did great, I'm proud of everyone. When I arrived, everyone was there to help me find my way, and now I can return the favor. ( How is anyone's guess and Luffy doesn't elaborate. Being a captain is never a one way thing, and Luffy knows it's on him to make sure nothing bad happens to his crew and to those considered friends as well. )
Not a lot of water here, huh?
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There's something wrong with the ocean here. I've been to the shore, and it's–
[ The frown on her face tightens, obviously leagues away from actually relaxing, despite the cuddling she's currently forcing upon him. ]
Haunted-feeling. The ghost of an ocean, instead of a real, living one like the East Blue. [ Another reason to be grateful for Luffy's presence. The ocean, like the rest of the Diadem, feel too off-kilter for Nami to think she'll ever fully wrap her head around this place. ] Nothing sails on it, and the only ships I've found, are wrecks. No logbooks, or anything.
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A haunted ocean? ( The concept isn't sinking in and Luffy struggles to envisage it in his mind. ) Kind of like it's there but can't be used?
( Weird, but for this place it tracks, and Luffy gives what he hopes is a reassuring squeeze, knowing a hug would most likely get him smacked for it. ) We'll figure it out, don't worry.
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Like it used to be an ocean, but died, and this is what got left behind, if that were possible. Back home the sea feels alive, and you know there's stuff down there, fish, plants, Sea Kings, but the Yawning Sea is different, it's more like a husk. I don't even want to touch it.
[ Ordinarily, she might bristle at the squeeze, but Nami hadn't invited herself over to maintain distance. He's a steadying presence, which is bizarre considering he's also the most unhinged man she's ever met, and the closeness helps soothe that unmoored feeling that's been eating away at her insides since her arrival. ]
Guess you've gotten us through weirder, haven't you?
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Thinking of the sea is almost wistful, the jewel-like blues of the horizon, the ginormous sea kings just waiting to be fished up and cooked, waters beckoning in a way that hide how dangerous they really are to devil fruit eaters. It's enough to nearly have Luffy missing home, but the point is clear when it comes to the ghost-sea Nami talks of. An empty, lifeless, body of water. How sad. )
With you guys around, there's nothing I can't get us through. ( Luffy knows the crew are capable, even when he's not around, and there's not a doubt in his mind on such a thing as he speaks his words with conviction. ) Not even weird places like this one.
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She's quiet, her arms tightening around him, giving him a gentle hug in response. After weeks spent mulling over the problem that was their entire existence here, in a completely different world, and coming up with nothing but a few grim theories about the kind of place this was, being believed in is gratifying in a way she can't quite place. He's a good captain. ]
Promise me you won't do anything completely stupid before we do.
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The idea they could all be dead and in some weird kind of afterlife, or other some such grim theories, never enters his head. )
Stupid? Me?
( Luffy can't keep the smile out of his voice when he says it, knowing full well that he'll manage to do something that could be considered by other people as stupid. Zero shame. He falls quiet for a moment, obviously thinking of something before he finally tilts his head a little and simply asks. )
So, the last thing before coming here was going to get you out of that place. Did it work?
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I'm here, aren't I? [ A slow, carefully spoken answer, as though Nami's trying to decide how to feel while giving it.
Another moment passes before she lifts her head, the expression on her face somewhere between fondness, and hesitation. ]
You don't remember anything after getting there? [ To Arlong Park. Don't make her say it. ]
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( Even as Luffy says it, he knows it isn't the case. Nami's dreams weren't to stay on the Conomi Islands, but he's still curious to find out what happened. Usopp had alluded to it, that they had won, it just felt a bit odd knowing without feeling it. )
No, I was fighting with Arlong, and then the building started coming down, and then I woke up in this place. ( Luffy raises his eyebrows at Nami, not at all bothered by the conversation. ) Does that mean I missed a party?
( There's a pause before Luffy speaks next. ) I'm happy you're here with us. With what happened to Zoro, I don't want to lose anymore crew.
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Your grandfather turning up kind of spoiled the mood, but at least he didn't stick around.
[ She lifts herself enough to look down at him, and shrugs before reaching up to gently tug the end of one of his curls, smirking as it springs back into place. ]
Lucky you have the best navigator in the East Blue, huh? There's no losing anybody. Not even Zoro.
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Did he eat everything? He eats a lot.
( The fact it's Luffy saying that sure is something, enough to make Garp a little more mysterious when it comes to food intake and a little less so when it comes to familial ties. The irony is lost on Luffy and he returns the hair tug with the world's lightest nudge. Nami isn't leaving, or doesn't from the sounds of it, and that makes dropping a building on Arlong and himself all the worth it. Enough he'd do it again without hesitation. )
Zoro does get lost a lot. What is that about?
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You guys kind of got into it, but, in the end, he just walked off. Didn't stay around to eat.
[ Which seemed to suit Luffy at the time, so hopefully hearing that will sit okay with Luffy from this point in time. ]
You really don't remember anything after bringing down Arlong Park?
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( Luffy's relief is palpable at the idea Garp didn't just inhale all the food. He's still not sure why the other keeps bothering them, despite the fact the guy is a vice-admiral, and Luffy idly wonders if there's something more to it, unaware of their conversation soon to happen back home.
Nami's words are accepted as truth, there's no reason to disbelieve, even when the redhead asks him about the timing again. )
No, I don't remember doing it and I don't think I hit my head that hard. Even though they said I did when I got here.
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Then again, it doesn't change much between them. He's ridiculous, just like always, and no less important to her despite not having saved her life quite yet before coming here. ]
When we're home again, I think you're going to like everything you missed.