Bittersweet

Zoro slid open an eye as he heard the click of the navigators shoes stop in front of him, blocking out the sun he had just been sharing his post lunch nap with. He could feel something different about her spirit recently and he had figured it was due to the recent liberation of her village.

He had been wrong it seemed because whatever it was…was burning with intensity right now hidden behind some nervousness and fake confident yet crooked smile. He opened his other eye…this was something he’d have to take seriously after all it seemed.

“We have unfinished business.”

Zoro didn’t bother correcting her as she sat next to him.. He certainly had not left anything unfinished. Whatever her problem was, was hers alone. She’d get to the point eventually, no sense interrupting.

“I’ve been thinking, I owe you an apology. I kicked your wound at that time…”

“Feh…we both weren’t saying some important things back then. It’s in the past now.” He grumbled, adding a dismissive wave at the end.

“But despite that you fought for me…” Her tone had changed slightly and Zoro didn’t miss it or its implications.

“We all did. Luffy, Usopp, and the cook too. Not just me.”

“You’re a strong reliable guy, you know that?”

“Again I’m not the only one. Luffy would do anything to protect you. Sanji believed in you from the start and would probably cut out his own idiot heart if you asked him too.”

Nami was looking annoyed and pressed on, deciding on a more direct approach and pressing closer to him.

“You like me…”

“Nakama implies that.” He replied stoically. She squeezed his arm in a hopeful and playful way.

“No! You really like me…”

He gently removed her arm and gave her a sad smile.

“Not how you are hoping I do.”

“Wha…but why?” She did a pretty good job of keeping a whine of disappointment from her voice. Still, it was stupid question that didn’t deserve an answer she’d later realize. You can’t choose how you feel. He gave her an answer anyway.

“You’re pretty lucky…you have three handsome and capable men ready to care and protect you however you want. Isn’t it okay if the fourth cares and protects you like a jealous and stubborn older brother?”

Nami was caught between wanting to laugh and cry. He had just winked at her as he entrusted her with something so personal.

“That’s all I can give.” Zoro finished. He was sorry he couldn’t do more and sorry his answer caused her pain. Nami could hear it clearly in his voice.

She gave his arm another squeeze and this time it wasn’t pushed away.

“You dummy, of course it’s alright!”

She stood suddenly and clapped her hands.

“Okay I think I’ll go see what Sanji-kun has made for dessert!”

Zoro nodded and shut his eyes, intending to resume his nap.

Nami rushed away toward the galley, wiping her eyes with her sleeve. Zoro had seen the beginning of the tears and she knew it.

They knew she wasn’t “alright”, but they both knew she would be.