I Like This Feeling, Don't You?

some news

By tomorrow afternoon, the Straw Hats would resume their course on sea. Their departure from Ichiba Island was so close and the excitement of more adventures awaits them. However, the atmosphere wasn't suited for the preparation of a possible enemy or fun overall. It was very tense and it was tricky to bring up decent conversation.

After breakfast, a few were out on deck. Nami sitting in a tanning chair had Chopper in her lap. She petted his head and used him as her comfort. Chopper was 100% okay with being Nami's muse at times. He turned around so he can face the navigator. Conveniently, he wore his therapist cap today. "Nami, how do you feel?"

Mumbles of 'feeling alright' came out and that was the end of Chopper's therapy career. It was clear to anyone that talking to her wasn't the right move. Even Robin wasn't beside her that moment.

Weirdly, Luffy was also on deck; lying on the grass with sunglasses on while staring up at a perfect, blue sky. Brook sat on the swing, sipping on sencha tea. Even though Usopp and Franky invited Luffy to join them in the sharpshooter's factory, he showed zero interest. It made the skeleton wonder why he chose the deck as today's resting spot, knowing fully well Nami is there. What also intrigued the skeleton is the bracelet still being worn despite her harsh words yesterday. Luffy noticed that, too.

"Hmph." He pouted when looking Nami's way. "She's still wearing the bracelet."

Brook began to believe the sunglasses wasn't entirely used for shade but to sneakily glance at Nami. "Of course she is, Luffy-san. She loves it."

The musician got no other reply but mutters and grunts.

After yesterday's encounter and Luffy running off, Brook was one of the crewmates to accompany their captain. Franky, Usopp, Chopper, and him expected some sort of explanation. Instead, it was like a switch turned on in Luffy and the captain was goofy and all smiles again. The Straw Hat wouldn't talk about how Nami and him spent their day and the four knew not to ask. The rest of the day was fun as they played booth games and constantly snacked. They almost forgot why they followed him around that day.

No one left ship yet. Either because Sanji was going to cook lunch or everyone wanted to wait for Nami's orders. Brook threw a glance her way and it didn't look like she was going to get up anytime soon.

Maybe that's why Luffy abruptly got up and strode her direction. The shades he was wearing was now placed on the soft, wet grass. When Chopper caught a glimpse of Luffy's hat, the reindeer nervously shook his head; wishing to shoo him away. But that didn't stop the captain at all. While Nami had her head in the clouds, Luffy snatched Chopper from her grasp and tossed him to Brook. As the doctor landed, he stomped on the wooden deck and yelled insults at his carelessness.

Robin's tanning chair was free for the taking and before he made himself comfortable, he placed his straw hat on Nami's head. That is when Nami realized his presence.

His hands thrown behind his head and his legs wide open while staring at the ocean irked her. Was he upset or not? Zoro's stupid words had been invading her mind since it happened. The rubber man didn't look particularly mad especially with him whistling a random tune. What is going on in that man's head?

"Nami." He called for her but didn't look her away. "Why are you still wearing it?"

The navigator didn't let the words sink long enough. "Wearing what?"

Grabbing her wrist gently, he flashed the silver and blue bracelet on her right wrist. "This."

Her cheeks flushed at the indication. Since the other day she got used to it being an asset on her wrists. After washing her face, brushing her teeth, showering, and changing, she began wearing her assets. First the bracelet given by her sister, Nojiko then the Log pose. Then a new step in her morning routine: taking the charming jewelry from its box and displaying it on her right wrist before joining the rest on deck. Even though she learned the meaning behind the gift yesterday, her muscle memory wasn't affected by the news. She hid her wrist away from him and huffed. "It was an accident! I didn't mean to!"