Metamorphosis | Luffy x Nami

Chapter 9

The night of Garp's retirement party approached quickly and Nami found herself pondering over what Ace and Sabo had told her whilst soaking in a much needed bath.

"And Hancock?"

"Still as obsessed as ever, unfortunately."

No one uttered a word regarding the ordeal after Garp and Luffy returned from the kitchen and she spent the rest of the night pretending like she didn't just find out her boyfriend was involved in an arranged marriage.

Nami had planned to ask Luffy about it later that night but held off.

I mean, if he hadn't ever mentioned Hancock, it must have been for a good reason... right?

Nami sunk herself lower inside the lavender-scented bath water and sighed, causing bubbles to ripple to the surface.

She was overthinking again.

It's not that she didn't trust Luffy. There was no shred of doubt in her mind that he loved her and the drama surrounding the arranged marriage was behind him.

It's Hancock she didn't trust.

The feminist in her wanted to scold herself for jumping to such conclusions without even meeting the woman first, but if everything Ace and Sabo told her about Hancock's failed attempts to win Luffy over were true, then she'd definitely be expecting her to make a move tonight.

Shaking her head to dismiss her intrusive thoughts, she stood to drain the tub and began getting ready for the party.

About an hour later, Nami eyed her appearance in her full length mirror and her lips twitched, forming a smug smile.

She settled on a messy but cute bun and donned a silky blush pink off the shoulder dress that flowed to her knees. Her makeup was minimal considering she was more of a natural beauty anyway and didn't need much, but the small touches of blush and eyeshadow were just enough to still accentuate her face divinely.

Perfect.

She looked good. Real good.

There was a light knock on the door followed by the sound of creaking that shook her from her thoughts.

Nojiko popped her head in, smiling when she saw Nami. "You look gorgeous, Sis." she stated, entering the room.

Nami mirrored her smile, turning back to face the woman. "Thanks, Nojiko. You do too."

Taking a seat at the foot of her bed, Nojiko patted a spot in front of her. "I have some news." she smiled.

Curiously, Nami tilted her head and plopped down. "What is it?"

"Soooo Ace asked me to be his girlfriend." she squealed giddily, immediately bringing a hand up to cover her mouth in disbelief from saying it aloud.

A huge smile spread on Nami's lips and her eyes widened, squealing along with her sister. "What?! Oh my God, Nojiko congratulations!" she threw her arms around Nojiko in a tight hug.

"Thank you! It's about time right?" she laughed, hugging Nami back just as tightly.

Nami gave a short chuckle. "Duh!" she pulled back, beaming at her older sister. "When did he ask you?"

"Last night. We met up after your dinner plans with Garp." suddenly Nojiko squinted, eyes boring into Nami's. "How did that go by the way?"

"Oh you know, fine."

"Really? Are you sure there's nothing you want to talk about?"

Great.

Nami knew that look entirely too well. Nojiko was playing dumb and she knew exactly how it went assuming her suspicions were correct and Ace slipped up in telling her.