True to her word, Vivi refused to leave Nami's side, even sleeping curled up next to her on the huge bed. Nami slowly began eating again and the color returned to her skin. During this time, she let the servants have time to themselves, for not only had they been furniture for many years, but they certainly weren't expecting company, considering that Nami still had to make her return to society.

When Chopper and Sanji finally allowed it, Vivi and Nami began to take slow walks outside, Nami in her nightgown and Vivi leading her in a casual robe. Nami criticized the state of the lawn, muttering about how high the grass was and that she would have to make Luffy go back to work soon, and Vivi reminded her gently that the snow was still melting and perhaps it would be better to wait for spring. Nami, of course, softened and agreed.

It took a few weeks for Nami to return to health. One afternoon, she summoned everyone to the ballroom. Vivi (wearing a light green gown) and the servants entered in a small crowd to find Nami waiting, wearing a semi-formal brilliant blue dress. Sanji began cooing and praising her, and Zoro smacked him to shut him up, for Nami obviously wanted to say something.

"Everyone," Nami began, "first off, I want to thank you all. Despite that I brought the curse upon us, not one of you complained or held a grudge against me." She curtsied. "Thank you very much."

"Oh, we could never hate you," Robin said warmly as she bowed, and the others either curtsied or bowed as well (except for Franky, who gave a thumbs-up, and Luffy, who just grinned).

"You've been so kind to us all, Madame Nami, we couldn't hate you for that," Usopp said, smiling.

Nami smiled graciously. "I do love you all," she murmured. "And speaking of . . . Vivi, please come forward."

Vivi stepped towards her. Nami gently took her hands in her own.

"Vivi, I love you," she said as they looked into each other's eyes. "Will you take my hand in marriage?"

Sanji and Usopp gasped.

Nami waited hopefully. For a moment Vivi said nothing. Then her eyes welled up as her lip trembled.

"Yes," she exclaimed, throwing herself onto Nami in a loving embrace. "Yes, of course I will!"

As Nami smiled from ear to ear and embraced her in return, Franky, Usopp, Sanji, and Brook let out loud cheers.

"What's marriage?" Chopper and Luffy asked at the same time.

"I'll explain later," Robin promised quietly.

"Ah, this calls for a celebration," Brook declared. He produced his viola from somewhere and lifted it to his chin.

"Brook, not yet," Nami said suddenly. She pulled away from Vivi. "My parents have long since passed, but should we not have your father's consent?"

Vivi looked at her in surprise. "Why—yes, of course."

"Very well. Robin?"

Robin stepped forward. "Madame?"

"Hurry to Vivi's residence and inform her father of the news," Nami ordered. "Tell him that if he agrees, he may live with us."

"At once," Robin said, and after quickly asking directions from Vivi, she bowed and exited the room.

"Nami, you . . . do you mean that?" Vivi exclaimed. "My father may live here?"

"Of course," Nami said. "The father of such a lovely lady does not deserve to live in poverty."

"Oh, thank you," Vivi cried, wrapping her arms around Nami again. Nami's cheeks turned pink and she smiled.

"And the rest of you," she said, turning to the servants, "I expect you to get back to your normal duties tomorrow morning."

"Yes, Madame," they chorused.

"I won't have you cleaning anymore, either," Nami murmured to Vivi.

Vivi smiled. "Try to stop me," she said, winking.

They laughed.

Cobra was naturally surprised when Robin came knocking—a mysterious woman whom he had never seen before, wearing a fine suit and a polite smile.

"Hello," he said cautiously. "Er . . . may I ask who . . . ?"

"Of course, we have not met," Robin said. She bowed. "My name is Robin, and I've been sent to inform you of the news involving your daughter."

"Vivi?" Cobra exclaimed. "Is she safe? What's happened?"

"It's good news, I assure you," Robin said soothingly. "Madame Vivi is safe and well, and Madame Nami, who employs us, has asked for her hand in marriage."

"Marriage?" Cobra said blankly, holding onto the door-frame. "Surely you can't be serious?"

"I am serious, and please don't call me Shirley."

"Pardon?"

"Sorry, that's one of my husband's jokes. In any case, Madame Vivi was happy to accept, but the couple would like your consent before planning for the ceremony."

"Of course, anything to make Vivi happy . . . but I would like to get a good look at this woman marrying my daughter," Cobra said, straightening up and suddenly resembling a mother hen protecting her chick.

Robin turned her head so Cobra would not see her laugh, for she did not fail to catch this resemblance. "If you would follow me, Monsieur."

He walked next to her along the forest path.

"Say, Vivi told me everyone in the mansion was under a curse," he said suddenly. "Like that candelabra who came to our threshold . . ."

Robin giggled. "Oh, you mean Sanji. Rest assured, the curse has since been lifted, thanks to your daughter."

"Thanks to Vivi? But what—?"

"Forgive me, Monsieur Cobra, but I believe it would be more prudent for Mesdames Nami and Vivi to explain at the mansion."

"Very well," Cobra agreed reluctantly.

With a quick knock to announce their presence, Robin swung open the door and stood by as Cobra cautiously entered, keeping an eye out for the Beast of whom his daughter had spoken and he had met with so long ago.

As Robin closed the door and stood by, Nami and Vivi came to the front hall. Vivi and Cobra shared a hug and Cobra looked her over to make sure she was well. She did, in fact, look even better than when she had departed him.

"Father," Vivi said, stepping aside, "I would like to introduce you. Nami, my father, Cobra; Father, Nami, my betrothed."

"A pleasure to meet you again, Monsieur Cobra," Nami said with a curtsy, and Cobra gave her a brief bow in return. "I must apologize for our . . . last meeting."

Her cheeks became pink with embarrassment at the mention.

"Last meeting?" Cobra said curiously.

Nami glanced away. "Until recently, my servants and I were under a curse. They became various furniture, and I was turned into a . . . Beast."

Cobra took a step back. "You . . . threatened my life . . . and now you wish to marry my daughter," he said flatly.

Nami flushed to the tips of her ears. "Forgive me," she murmured, still not quite looking at him. "I lost my temper . . ."

Cobra narrowed his eyes and turned to Vivi. "Vivi, I was told that you broke the curse . . . ?"

"Oh, yes," Vivi said hurriedly in an attempt to cover up the awkwardness. "You see, ah . . ." she smiled nervously. "The curse was broken when Nami and I confessed our feelings for each other."

"The conditions were that our Dame must love and be loved," Robin supplied helpfully.

Cobra sighed and turned back to Nami. "You love my daughter?"

"More than anyone," Nami said, finally looking at him.

"And Vivi, you share this sentiment?"

"Very much so," she said firmly.

"Then I don't believe I could stop you two even if I refused," Cobra said. "And besides, you both are of age . . ."

He smiled. "Very well. I give you my blessing."

The women smiled gratefully and Vivi hugged him again.

"Thank you, father," she exclaimed.

"I shall never harm her or be unfaithful," Nami swore.

"See that you do not," Cobra said, once again giving off the resemblance of a protective mother hen, and Robin had to hide another laugh.

"Monsieur Cobra, I would like to invite you to live in this mansion," Nami said cordially. "Surely you do not wish to live out the rest of your days alone."

"Please, father," Vivi begged. "This is a wonderful place, and everyone here is so kind."

"I . . . I accept," Cobra said. He smiled nervously at Nami. "Thank you, Madame."

The rest of the day was spent with cheerful introductions and a hearty supper.

That night, as Robin tucked Chopper into bed, he asked sleepily, "Mama? You never said what marriage was . . ."

"Oh, yes," she said. "But Luffy should hear this too. He's listening at the door. Luffy, why don't you come in?"

A moment later Luffy sheepishly shuffled in with a grin. He knelt by Chopper's bed and the two waited patiently.

"Marriage," Robin said, "is a union between lovers. It's a special ceremony which shows that the ones involved will never be in love with anyone else, and they'll stay together forever."

"Oh, that sounds like fun!" Luffy exclaimed. "Then I wanna marry Zoro, and Usopp, and Sanji, and you, and Franky, and—"

"Come again?" Robin said, sounding highly amused.

"Because you said it's between lovers, and I love all of you."

Robin giggled. "Oh, Luffy . . . I was talking about a different kind of love."

"Wait, you mean the kissing type," Luffy said, crestfallen. "Then never mind."

Robin glanced at Chopper. "You should sleep now," she said gently, kissing his forehead. "Good night."

"Good night," he mumbled. Robin and Luffy left the room.

Over the next week, the news spread through the nearby village: Madame Nami was returning to society, and she would be taking a wife.

The day of the wedding came all-too-quickly. The ceremony would be held out on the newly trimmed lawn (and hopefully no one would mind the scorch marks).

Vivi fidgeted in her seat as Usopp, wearing a fine yellow dress, helped put up her hair. The enchantments upon the bobby pins had long since faded.

"Do hold still, Madame," Usopp grunted with some of the pins between his teeth.

"Yes, sorry," Vivi murmured.

"Worry not, the ceremony will proceed smoothly," Usopp said reassuringly, sticking another pin into her hair.

Soon Usopp had finished fixing up her hair. It was piled high upon her head and donned with small golden bows.

"Thank you very much," Vivi said gratefully.

"No trouble at all," Usopp said formally, smiling. "Now let's get your makeup on."

Vivi allowed him to apply the makeup. When he was finished, she stood and checked herself over in the mirror. Usopp had helped her get on the corset and dress earlier—the panniers were similar to those she had worn on the night she had first danced with Nami, and the dress was a very formal court-style one, in a shade of palest blue.

"Goodness," Vivi murmured. "Thank you, Monsieur Usopp."

"My pleasure," Usopp said cordially. "If I may, Madame?"

He held out his arm and Vivi accepted. Slowly and carefully, he led her down the staircase to the front hall.

"Are you ready?" he murmured.

"Ready as I'll ever be."

The doors swung open, revealing the front lawn. A wizard from town had conjured up benches for the audience, which included the servants of the mansion. Luffy wore a dark red suit, Zoro a dark green one; they had made Franky wear a suit for the occasion as well, and in exchange he was permitted to have very loud colors; Chopper wore a pink boy's suit, and Robin a fine plum ensemble; Sanji had opted for a dark blue dress, though like Usopp, he had chosen to disregard corset and panniers; and Brook stood off to the side, wearing a mask and gloves to disguise his skeletal features as he played his viola to the best of his ability, providing a beautifully romantic song for the ceremony.

And there was Nami, at the end of the makeshift aisle. She stood by the pastor and wore a formal white dress with a vaguely transparent veil draped over her face.

Usopp slowly led Vivi down the aisle, who kept her gaze fixed upon her betrothed. At the end of the aisle, Usopp bowed and hurried to sit down.

Nami and Vivi clasped hands, faced each other, and waited for the pastor to speak.

"Nami," the pastor began, "will you take Vivi, here present, to be your lawful wife, according to the rite of holy mother Church?"

"I will," Nami said, squeezing Vivi's hands.

"And Vivi, will you take Nami, here present, to be your lawful wife, according to the rite of holy mother Church?"

"I will," Vivi whispered. She cleared her throat and said louder, "I will."

"Then by the power vested in me, I pronounce you married," the pastor declared. "You may now kiss."

The couple leaned forward and kissed, and the audience applauded, Franky letting out a loud whoop.

The afterparty lasted until the sun began to set, at which time the townsfolk and the pastor departed, leaving the mansion's residents to straighten up.

"Monsieur and Mesdames, please go on inside," Sanji said, approaching the newlyweds and Cobra with a bow. "We will take care of the rest."

"That means you two," Nami murmured, for Vivi and Cobra looked like they wanted to help clean up.

"Madame Nami, shall I be cooking tonight?" Sanji inquired politely, turning to her.

"Don't bother with supper, but do be prepared just in case," Nami ordered. "I'm sure the leftovers will satisfy Luffy and anyone else who's hungry."

"Of course, Madame," Sanji said, bowing again. He turned back to the mess and began helping again as Usopp started scolding Luffy, saying No, Luffy, you can't just burn everything you don't want to put away . . .

"Let us go, then," Nami said, and Vivi took her proffered arm as they headed indoors, Cobra a ways behind.

Cobra excused himself with a bow to the library for some light reading before bed. The newlyweds went to their room at the end of the corridor.

"I do dislike the undergarments," Nami grumbled as Vivi helped her get off the dress. "Sometimes I feel as though I may never breathe again when the corset is knotted."

"I feel the same way," Vivi murmured with a smile. She untied the corset and Nami took a few deep breaths in relief as her usual softly-curved figure filled out. Vivi helped take off the panniers and they were set aside.

"Here, allow me," Nami said, and she helped Vivi in the same way. Vivi's figure filled out again. Her waist was straighter than Nami's and no less attractive in her wife's eyes.

They sat at the vanity in turns and carefully took off their makeup and undid their hair, shaking out their locks at last. Finally they smiled nervously at each other, free of constrictions and fancy dos.

"Should we . . ." Vivi cleared her throat in embarrassment. "Will we be . . . that is . . ."

"Oh, certainly," Nami said with another smile. "We'll get these corsets off soon enough. But I have a feeling the servants will soon be upholding tradition."

"Tradition?"

"You'll see."

They sat on the bed together for a few minutes in silence. True to Nami's prediction, there soon came the sounds of raucous banging, clanging, and the occasional audible viola note from outside the window (which had long ago been freed of its curtains).

Nami and Vivi stood, hurried to the window, and flung open the panes. They looked down at the servants, who were happily banging together pots and pans in a truly terrible-sounding chivaree with Brook's viola (he had abandoned his mask and gloves).

"Alright, all of you, that's enough!" Nami yelled. They quieted down after a few more bangs from Luffy and Chopper.

"Congratulations!" Zoro yelled. "Hope we didn't interrupt anything!"

"Yes, yes, just come up here already!" Nami yelled back. "Sanji, don't forget the refreshments!"

"Of course, Madame!" Sanji called, and Nami and Vivi withdrew as the former slammed the windows shut.

"They'll be up here soon," Nami informed Vivi. The women went to the wardrobe and donned nightgowns. Soon the company came knocking at their door, and Nami permitted them to enter. Everyone piled in happily. They'd changed into their respective nightclothes and Sanji bore a tray of tea. Cobra followed behind, seemingly a bit confused but going along with what was happening.

"Come on," Nami said, smiling, and everyone sat in a circle on the floor as Sanji poured everyone a cup.

"Franky, do people in your time still perform the chivaree?" Robin asked, taking a sip.

"Eh, it's mostly died out," Franky said with a shrug. "But I've seen old stuff of people tying cans to the back of the newlyweds' car."

"Car?" Cobra asked curiously.

"Like a coach without horses," Franky said, having had to explain that before. "Anyway, no one does the ruckus thing, which is a real shame, come to think of it."

"The future sounds terrible," Luffy whispered in horror.

"Hey, it's not like we don't have music," Franky said, grinning. "It's way different from this time, but music's here to stay."

"Thank goodness," Brook said in obvious relief.

"What sort of songs?" Chopper asked eagerly.

Franky frowned. "Look, I can't really sing any. Copyright, you know."

"What?" Robin asked.

"Never mind. I'll sing some later."

"Is it strange for all of you, suddenly having limbs after so many years?"

Everyone turned to stare at Vivi, who slowly shrank back. "I'm sorry, it just occurred to me . . ."

Luffy laughed out loud and stood up. "Here's me as the gaslight," he said cheerfully. He bent his knees, stuck out his arms in front of his face, and let a small flame appear in his palms as he spun around.

The others laughed before Nami ordered him to stop that before he set the whole room on fire. Luffy sighed and sat back down.

"Candelabra," Sanji announced. He stood and held out his arms at right angles stiffly at his side, wiggling his fingers in an imitation of flame.

"Toaster," Zoro said, laughing, and he crouched down on the floor, trying his best to resemble a box.

"That's terrible!" Sanji exclaimed cheerfully.

"Let's see you make your body square!" Zoro retorted, uncurling.

"Oh, Mama," Chopper said, "teacup!" He held out his arm to the side like a handle and brought his knees to his chest.

Robin giggled. "Teapot," she said, and did the same, only with one arm acting as a handle and the other as a spout.

"I'm a little teapot, short and—"

"Franky, if you finish that song, I will not speak to you for three days," Robin said firmly.

"Fine," Franky muttered. "Wardrobe!" He stood and went stiff. "Well, I couldn't hardly move that whole time."

"I shall be the coat-hanger," Brook said cheerfully. He stood and curved his arms out to the side like hangers.

"Clock," Usopp said, and he knelt and swung his forearm from side-to-side like the pendulum.

"Alright, now it's my turn," Nami said sweetly. "The Beast."

She stood, held out her nightgown to the sides to make herself appear bigger, and roared, "EVERYONE OUT! IT'S TIME FOR BED!"

"Right away, Madame!" everyone cried, and scrambled to get out, taking their cups and the tray with them as they bid the couple goodnight. Vivi hugged her father before he, too, departed.

"That was scary," she said, smiling.

Nami laughed. "They were getting on my nerves. And in any case . . . we need our time alone."

With the atmosphere much calmer, they helped undress each other and lay next to one another on the bed.

"Nami . . ."

"Vivi?"

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

~Fin~

Story's done! Thank you for all your support, everyone!