Ch. 9- Everything's Over

One Piece © Oda

Blizzard, Mordecai, Malcolm © Me

Hours later, the Straw Hats had set sail from Pumpkin Island, and were now safely aboard the Thousand Sunny. Halloween was over, and now, they could get back to their adventure.

Before they left, they happened to run into Mordecai, who congratulated them on saving Luffy and Blizzard, as well as helping his twin brother pass on, happily.

He claimed that now that Malcolm had gone to the other world, he, too, could rest peacefully.

That was the last the crew ever saw of Mordecai, but they were glad to help the old man.

Luffy was a bit disappointed when he thought that all the hard-earned candy and treats that they collected had been lost, but upon reaching the ship, they saw that everything had been piled onto the deck.

"You think that maybe Malcolm left those here for us, as a way of saying thanks?" asked Chopper.

The crew didn't really know for certain, but they were just glad that everything was over.

On the Sunny, everyone was back in their usual attire, considering that Halloween had ended.

Sanji had just gotten through making breakfast for everybody and was currently busy washing the dishes.

Usopp, Franky, and Brook were down below deck, sorting and trading their candy stash.

Chopper was out on the deck with Blizzard, who was lying down under the mast and taking a rest after breakfast. The little reindeer curled himself up in the wolf-dog's fur and clutched at his scarf.

"You know, Blizzard?" Chopper asked. "I'm glad that everything's back to normal."

Blizzard heaved a sigh, as if to say, "Me, too."

"Still," Chopper said. "There's one thing that kind of bothers me."

Blizzard gave Chopper an inquisitive look. Chopper looked back at him, and then smiled.

"You're right," said the little reindeer. "I shouldn't dwell on it."

Blizzard smiled and started to snicker, and Chopper joined in his laughter before they continued their little nap together.

Robin, meanwhile, was tending to her flower garden, when Zoro passed by.

"Hey, Robin," he greeted.

"Zoro," Robin greeted back.

"Hey, listen," he said. "Back when I was vampire…when I bit you…I-"

"Oh, don't give it a second thought," Robin said. "It's all water under the bridge, now."

"Good," Zoro said, "because that stupid cook wouldn't get off my back until I said something to you."

Robin chuckled.

"You know, Zoro," she said. "Even though you were after me for my blood…I have to admit, you like quite…sexy as a vampire."

Zoro gave Robin a confused glance before he turned and walked away, scratching a finger against his cheek. He didn't even notice how warm they were getting, or that they were flushing a light pink.

Luffy, meanwhile, was sitting under the tree on the deck, eyes hooded, hands folded behind his head, and legs crossed. His large bag of candy laid beside him, the contents within untouched.

It looked as if…he was thinking about something, which was rare.

"Luffy?"

The captain looked up once he heard his name and saw Nami, walking down the stairs and coming to his side.

"Mind if I join you?" she asked.

Luffy shook his head and scooted over, allowing Nami to sit beside him.

"Something on your mind?" Nami asked.

"Nothing gets passed you, huh?" Luffy questioned.

"Well, I saw you didn't eat very much at breakfast," Nami said. "That, and you haven't even touched your candy. What's the matter, Luffy? Huh?"

Luffy heaved a sigh.

"Well," he began, "when I think back to…when I was a vampire…I saw how frightened I made you. I-it was…scary. I was scary." He turned to Nami. "I don't wanna put you through something like that, again, Nami. Ever."

Nami smiled and put a hand to Luffy's cheek.

"Luffy," she said. "It's okay. Even if something like that does happen again, I know that deep down, you can fight it. You just need some help is all."

Luffy didn't seem very convinced, for he looked away from Nami.

The navigator simply responded by wrapping her arms around his neck and nuzzling his chest.

"I'll still love you," she said, "no matter what."

Luffy paused for a moment, but then he grinned and chuckled as he retuned the hug.

"Thanks, Nami," he said.

"Anytime," Nami replied before she reached into Luffy's bag of candy and pulled out a gummy bear. She popped it into her mouth, and then pressed her lips against her captain's. He responded by pressing his lips against hers. As the two kissed, Luffy felt something slip into his mouth.

The two pulled away.

"That was sweet," he said.

"Which was?" Nami asked. "The candy or the kiss?"

"Both," Luffy answered.

Nami smiled before she prepared to stand back up, but then Luffy stopped her by grabbed her arm.

"I didn't say we could stop," he said.

Nami rolled her eyes before she sat back down, took another piece of candy, and kissed Luffy again.

XXX

Luffy moaned in discomfort. His face was a sickly green color, and his stomach was swollen. He felt like he wanted to throw up.

The bag of candy was halfway empty.

"My tummy hurts…!" Luffy whined.

"Well, what did I say?" Nami asked as she gently rubbed little circles on her captain's belly. "I warned you that you were gonna get a stomachache if we didn't stop, and look what happens."

"It's your fault," Luffy complained. "You had to be such a good kisser."

Nami rolled her eyes as Luffy moaned in pain.

Like she had said, even after two years, Luffy still couldn't control his sweet tooth.

"C'mon, Luffy," said Nami as she helped her captain up. "You need a nap."

Luffy kept moaning as Nami took him to the men's quarters to sleep off the candy.

Next Halloween, Nami was going to make sure that Luffy only got as little sweets as possible, candy, kisses, or otherwise. Also, she was going to try and get him avoid going into anymore spooky-looking houses.

THE END

Well, that's the end!

Thanks for reading, everyone! I admit, the ending may've been a bit random, though.

Review, please!