Metamorphosis | Luffy x Nami

Chapter 12

"Wanna get married?"

Nami deadpanned.

Did he just... There's no way that just happened, right?

"Nami?" Luffy questioned wearily, waving a hand in front of her face after being zoned out for quite a while.

Abruptly shaking her head to disrupt her trance, the woman placed a hand atop Luffy's shoulder. "Luffy, you know I want to be with you for the rest of my life more than anything, but..." Nami paused, quickly thinking it through in her head.

It's too soon. Right?

In all honesty, they've known each other for quite a while but haven't been dating long. Not to mention, they're still trying to finish school. So it's definitely too soon.

Right?

Luffy twisted his lips, forming a panicked pout. "But?" he retorted.

"...But it's not the right time for us." She surveyed his look of disappointment and grimaced, immediately feeling a wave of guilt wash over her.

Wrapping both her arms around his waist, Nami took a step forward to form an embrace. She expected Luffy to react the way he just did, but marriage was a big deal to her and she wanted to do it right which meant she preferred it not be rushed.

"Baby steps, Luffy." she whispered against his chest.

Hesitantly, he returned the embrace, burying his face into the crook of her neck with a sigh.

He's just happy Nami was in his arms again. Losing her, even for an instant, was the worst feeling to ever overcome him.

He loved her and he'd be by her side no matter what life threw at them.

"You okay?" she hummed, basking in the feeling of his strong arms.

The atmosphere was extremely soothing and felt so right. The two couldn't help but feel pure bliss.

"Yeah." he murmured, giving her the confirmation she needed as he squeezed her a bit tighter.

The tip of Luffy's nose began brushing against a sensitive spot of her neck which made Nami jump. "Luffy! That t-tickles!"

"Does it?"

Luffy's eyes shut with glee and his lips formed a wide smirk when he only dug his face in deeper, moving his nose from side to side, thing that pulled squeals and high pitched giggles from her.

The orange-haired woman began to push him away in attempts to escape to no avail; Luffy held a firm embrace and soon, his laughter began mixing with hers.

"L-Luffy!" she cried.

It's moments like these that made him want to marry her oh so badly. Luffy never really cared for marriage before, but with Nami... it was a commitment he was prepared for and he needed her to realize that there was no one else for him but her.

He wanted to spend the rest of his days by her side.

Only her and no one else.

After a minute of torturous laughter, Luffy ceased his motions and pulled away to take her all in. Nami was huffing, trying to catch her breath with the widest smile on her flushed face.

She's so beautiful.

Luffy couldn't help but observe her.

"...What?" she asked with sparkling eyes, noticing his lingering stare.

Without saying a word, he moved in, slowly connecting their lips in a soft and tranquil kiss. Nami's heart immediately began to swell in her chest and she swore she felt her heart rate accelerate tenfold.