The Value of a Wave

CHAPTER FOUR

Nami on her way to the ship could tell that in the corner of her eye and the feeling in her gut that she had a stalker. She remembered his face. A man in his late forties, missing a couple of teeth, shabbily dressed with straight hair slicked seamlessly back in a ponytail, he had casually hanging off one shoulder. She spotted him outside the last boutique she ventured and just knew he had his eyes on her. A big burly man who had less than good intentions.

Whether he was a pirate or not was not important even though he looked the part. Certain pirates weren't bad and Nami would know from first hand experience. She had rid herself of prejudice a long time ago but had decent understanding of character. And that man was bad news. She could feel it.

Nami was not usually on her own when everyone separated to do their own thing. Was actually with Robin but the archeologist was caught up with the books in the history section of the local book store that after the first hour, Nami couldn't take it anymore and they both agreed to meet at the Sunny before sunset.

She kind of regretted her decision now since though wanting to check out the stores, they didn't have anything nice or anything the crew needed and she sighed out loud for the thirteenth time. Wanting nothing more than food, a warm bath, her maps and her crew.

Nami bent a corner and low and behold, the creep bent too. He was at most 24 steps behind her. Even though there were people around, Nami knew what a stalker looked like. This wasn't anything new.

She was cute and after the 2 years, she wanted to make use of her new curves by showing them off. Extra male attention was a risk she was willing to take. The bikini top and low waist jeans combo she had a habit of wearing would make any man do a double take.

Her captain's faced briefly flashed across her mind and she sweat dropped with a sigh and a smile.

Most men.

The next bend was less crowded and Nami sensed the stalker gain in even closer and as she braced herself reaching for her climatact, she stooped low and covered her head at hearing a loud crash that was a bit too close to home.

She spun around to see her captain, stepping effortlessly over fallen chunks of rubble . In the background, her supposed stalker was planted in a stone wall bleeding from his head and knocked completely out cold. Some of his bones were twisted in places they shouldn't. She almost felt sorry for him.

The rain cloud above disappeared and Nami placed a hand on her hip, feeling her nerves calm down and watched as her captain made way over to her side wearing one of his infectious grins.

"Hey Nami."

"Hey."

"That guy was following you so I kicked his ass."

"Thanks captain."

Luffy snickered and took her few bags and together they continued on route to the ship.

"I had everything under control back there, Luffy."

"Didn't say you didn't."

"So why-?"

It was no point mentioning it. And the last thing Nami wanted was to argue with her captain but she wanted to let Luffy know she wasn't a delicate snow flake anymore. She was a proud member of the future Pirate King's crew and had trained hard to live up to the name.

"You've always been strong, Nami. That guy just pissed me off so I sent him flying."

"Is that so?"

Nami smiled knowingly and the mood was ruined when Luffy pulled a huge bone full of sea king meat out of no where.

"Want some?"

She would've normally refused but the growl in her stomach wasn't going to quiet itself and was driving her crazy.

Nami helped herself to a large bite and licked the gravy off her lips. It was phenomenally good. In Luffy's presence, you didn't have to worry about face or manners or crap like being a lady.

Sure she could have waited till she got home to eat the food Sanji-kun no doubt already made but she missed lunch and there was nothing better than food at the right time when you really needed it.

She took another large piece and it was hard to hold back her smiles. Her captain could be the sweetest when he was ready. It wasn't everyday Monkey D. Luffy shared his favourite food. And Nami made sure to take full advantage of it.

To be continued...