[Written]

[mikangirl]

[The advent of spring is beautiful in a mikan orchard.  Small white blossoms are everywhere between the leaves, and while there's little to no fruit on offer, it's more than enough of a sight for a mother and daughter to make the trip up here; ostensibly to survey the grove for any damage done in the last of winter, but it's just an excuse. 

It's the first time Nami gets to share this sight with Bellemere in nearly twelve years.

Maybe she can be thankful that you stayed long enough for this, mama.

She doesn't come home that day.  It's only towards afternoon that she reaches for her journal, writing in impersonal black strokes.  It's okay.  It's really okay.  It's really...

This is Luceti.  It was never going to last.]



Bellemere's gone.

Comments

[action]

[gavemyword]

[Zoro's attempt to find her had been as futile as ever and it was only by some divine act of providence that he'd managed to make it back to the house before nightfall.

He eventually settles in the living room with a big bottle of booze at his side. Don't get him wrong Nami, it's not like he got it for you or anything. But he might be willing to share some of it when you get home. Just this once.

Zoro draws Wadou from its sheathe and inspects it reverently. By all accounts, he's looking as smooth as polished silver. Take your time, Nami. He can wait.]

[action]

[mikangirl]

[It'll be pretty late by the time she gets home, and she's wrung out from crying besides. Sanji's trip up to the orchard... Bellemere's letter is slipped into the pages of her journal, folded carefully with the words inward for privacy, and the journal is clutched to her chest.

She's slow in opening the front door, moving like time is fragile. Nami closes the door after her by leaning against it, and then she doesn't move.

Every step she takes is ending the day. It's not so bad. She cherishes it, in a weird sort of way.]

[action]

[gavemyword]

[Zoro is seated nearby, swords at his side. He'd finished cleaning them hours ago and had been sitting in the dark for a while now. Anyone looking at him now would have sworn he was asleep.

But, no. He looks up at Nami's entrance. He doesn't need his eyes to feel her moving in the darkness but he looks at her anyway. Stares, seemingly unconcerned by her late arrival.]

Nami.

[action]

[mikangirl]

[It's still enough to make her jump. She wasn't expecting that; Nami squints through the gloom, trying to make him out. Her voice is thin and barely heard, but there's a ghost of her usual wryness to it:]

Third time now. You're making a habit of that.

[The fact the first two times are ones he won't remember doesn't really matter, at this point.]

[action]

[gavemyword]

Maybe you should learn to turn the lights on next time. [His attempt at teasing, even as he gets up to flip the switch himself. Zoro turns to look at her properly but sobers at the redness in her eyes.]

I was looking for you earlier. [Just a statement of fact, though Nami might be able to detect an apology buried somewhere inside it. His eyes land on the bottle of sake next to his swords.] Got you something, if you want it.

[action]

[mikangirl]

Hey, I'm not the one sitting here with the lights out. [Like Batman Matching his teasing with a tired attempt of her own, and grateful to the powers that be that she has it in her for that. Her eyes follow his to the sake, and she offers him a small grin.]

I won't say no.

[action]

[gavemyword]

[That was yes enough for him. He picks up the bottle and plops himself into a nearby chair. There's enough space for Nami and Zoro pointedly sets two glasses down within her line of sight.]

Sit.

[action]

[mikangirl]

[Don't need to tell her twice. Nami peels herself away from the door and pads to the couch, sinking down into it with a sigh. She's worn out. But bed isn't a very welcome prospect, and... awkwardness aside, she really, really doesn't mind the idea of drinking here with Zoro. Whatever past events, they're nakama. And it's comforting.

And she will never tell him that, naturally. She waves idly at the glasses.] Be my guest.

[action]

[gavemyword]

[He pours out two glasses of the stuff but leaves the bottle open as he sets it aside. Knowing them, they'll be needing it again soon enough.

He picks up a glass and raises it in a silent toast to Nami. This is his comfort, cold as it is. He knows she'll understand.]