Disclaimer:

I don't own One Piece.

The story on hand, ‚Bitter lemon(s)' is fan-fiction. I wrote it, because I love to write, but I will not use 'Bitter lemon(s)' in any commercial way.

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Please review!

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Chapter7

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"How are you, Usopp?"

The gunner started and looked up to Nami, "Oh… I'm fine." He told nervously and wanted to leave the room.

"Usopp, please stay for a moment."

"I haven't told anybody, I swear it," he whispered.

Nami smiled, "I know. I want to apologize, Usopp."

The longnose stared at her in disbelief.

She went on, "Listen, I was stupid. I overreacted, and I don't want there to be any problems between us."

Usopp smiled. Sometimes she really surprised him, "Accepted," he smiled.

He stopped, looked to her curiously, "So you and Robin are…"

"Eh, that's comlicated, Usopp. I would still be grateful to you if you wouldn't tell."

"Hard for me, but if you want it, I will do it."

Nami wanted to reply, but when she heard Sanji's voice from the kitchen she smiled. Evening meal.

She counted the seconds on her mind: One, two, thr… And broke off, when she heard her captain running to the ship's mess like a crazy bull. Nami grinned. He had his great moments and the navigator loved him for that, but when it was about meal, Luffy was scrupulous.

"Hey, calm down!" Sanji shouted, "Everybody gets to eat. Just wait one more moment."

"But I'm hunnnnngry!" the captain yelled.

Nami could hear Sanji sighing. In this moment Chopper and Zoro walked in. The swordsman looked like he had been sleeping all the day and still wasn't exactly awake. Nami ignored him and looked at the doctor, "Chopper?"

"Yes, Nami?"

"Do you know where I can find Robin?"

In the background Sanji and Luffy argued about the distribution of the dinner. Zoro had closed his eyes again and began to snore.

"She's on the deck."

"Hm."

Chopper hesitated, looked down to the ground and whispered, "She's sad, Nami."

After a moment he went on, "I… told her that I know that she's sad because of you."

"How do you know?"

"I've seen it. It's obvious for a reindeer, you know," he smiled.

Suddenly she stood up. Sanji stopped to argue with Luffy, "Nami? Don't you want to eat?"

"I have to look for Robin."

"Hey, if you don't want your helping, I could ea…" Luffy said hopefully.

"Touch Nami's plate and you will regret this!" Sanji growled.

Nami didn't turn around, but smiled. Yes, they were her friends, like a second family.

She opened the door and went to the deck.

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"Sanji has made dinner," Nami said hesitantly when she saw Robin. The archaeologist leant against the rail and looked into the water. Oh, she's here again. Stay cool Robin! Don't open your heart again.

"I know. I heard Luffy."

Nami grinned slightly, "Yeah, that wasn't hard to notice."

"No, it wasn't," Robin smiled gently.

"You… should come with me. It's cold and lonely out here."

"I know. It's always cold and lonely on my side," Robin suddenly whispered.

Nami could hear the despair in the words. She wanted to hug Robin, to give her hope.

"Don't say that."

"Why shouldn't I?"

"You have friends, Robin. And they will be with you always."

"Friends?"

"Yes and it didn't matter what I've said or did to you. You're my friend and..." Suddenly she knelt down at the snow blanket on the ground and stared down to the planks, "...and I'm begging you to forgive me."

Robin looked at her. Nami swallowed and continued talking, "I'm… sorry, Robin. I'm a jerk."

"Yes, you are."

Nami stopped, looked to her opposite, surprised. Robin grinned.

"Hm, whatever…" she stopped, and then whispered, "I'm afraid I make a fool of myself if I… beg you for a last chance?"

"One more chance to tear my heart?"

The navigator stared at her and said in a croaky voice, "Please believe me. I hadn't wanted to hurt you."

Robin sighed, "It bores me to talk about this."

Silence.

Nami smiled desperately, "It's all right. It was just a question… I know I've made terrible mistakes… You can hate me if you want, but please stay in the crew. Luffy wouldn't forgive me if you left."

Robin looked at the orange haired woman and could feel her inner walls breaking again. Don't do it! Don't! Stupid woman! She will kill every part of your soul if you trust her. Suddenly Robin smiled, Doesn't matter. I need her. This morning she gave me something that I will miss in the future. There are worse things between heaven and hell than a soul killed by her, "Nav… Nami?"

The navigator looked up to in surprise. Did Robin really call her by name? "Eh... yeah?"

"Please stand up. I don't like you kneeling before me."

She smiled and gave Nami her hand.

The navigator took it after a moment and was raised up by the dark haired woman. Robin looked into her eyes, "When I said to you, it bores me to talk about this, it doesn't mean that I wouldn't give you a third chance. It means that I don't like to talk about the fact that I… I was fallen in love with you completely and that you hold my heart in your hands."

Again Robin's eyes looked so vulnarable.

Nami stared at her, swallowed and croaked, "Really?"

"Yes, that's the truth,"

Nami made one step to her. They were close to each other... and Nami could feel Robin's breath on her skin. The she hugged her.

The world around them became silent. There was nothing more. No snow. No crewmates. No doubts. Just two lovers.

Suddenly Nami opened her eyes and whispered, "But you must be patient with me. That's is so absolutely new for me."

Robin grinned, "Patience's my second name."

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When they entered the room, the gang was already eating, but as Sanji had said there were still two helping for the two women.

Nami plucked up her courage… "Hey guys!"

They looked up: Nami took Robin's hand and kissed her softly on her lips. Robin's eyes widened for a moment. Then she relaxed and whispered, "So all or nothing, Nami?"

Nami grinned, "Yeah, let's go all out! And if they don't accept it, to hell with them!"

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-end-

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Author's note: I want to thank you for your reviews. It was a great motivation to know that you've read, enjoyed and commented this story. Thank you :-)