[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

[voice/action]

[alabastajewel]

...yes. I'll do that.

[She'd been growing antsy waiting for a reply from Nami, so Sanji's encouragement is all Vivi requires to throw on a coat and head toward the mikan grove.]

[action]

[mikangirl]

[Nami's journal has been abandoned under the tree she made the post from, Vivi. Sorry about that. She's over by the fence instead, wiping a season's worth of dirt from the creases of a pinwheel. They didn't weather the winter too well.]

[action]

[alabastajewel]

[Vivi's not sure if Nami has noticed her approach. She's making no acknowledgement of her presence, at least. Vivi bites her lower lip, then crosses the open area with a purposeful stride, heading straight for Nami.]

Nami-san. [And as she nears she'll open her arms, meaning to catch her friend in a tight hug.]

[action]

[mikangirl]

[She hadn't noticed, thoughts turned far inward as she works. But Vivi's call gets her attention and she swings around a little startled, glancing at her friend.]

Vivi...

[Trailing off as Vivi opens her arms, and Nami just swallows and steps into that cirle, throwing her own arms around Vivi's neck, hugging fiercely.]

[action] THIS IS MY ONLY HUGGING ICON OKAY

[alabastajewel]

[For now, Vivi won't speak, just hold Nami and let her hug her for as long as she needs.]

[action] I SUPPOSE I WILL FORGIVE YOU

[mikangirl]

[Could be a while. Nami rests her head on Vivi's shoulder, a tremor running through her frame.

She masters it by degrees.]




I'm glad you got to meet her.

[action]

[alabastajewel]

[Vivi waits patiently, sometimes rubbing her palm absently in a circular motion on Nami's back. At Nami's statement, she nods.]

I'm glad too. She's an amazing woman. [It doesn't occur to her to use the past tense.]