Here we go again! A huge thank you to Firerock Laser, Ahmar, and Momo! Ahmar and Momo coming in with top-tier support—thank you so much! 🎉 To show my appreciation, here's an extra chapter just for you all!
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--xLOVEx--
In the midst of the celebration, the villagers occasionally glanced towards Coby and Nami, who stood a little apart from the crowd. Coby's previous actions had earned him a quiet respect, and while he wasn't as boisterous or outgoing as his fellow crew members, the villagers approached him with gratitude, shaking his hand or clapping him on the back.
Nami interacted with the villagers with a newfound ease and happiness. The burden of her past had been lifted, and her smile was genuine and frequent. She chatted and laughed with the villagers, her previous reserve melting away in the warmth of the celebration.
Nojiko moved closer to Coby on the rooftop and took a seat beside him, her warm smile masking the hurt that she was trying to hide. Her laughter, though genuine, hid a layer of pain that wasn't lost on Coby. She had something to say, something she needed to get off her chest.
"You could have told me, you know," she began, her tone light but carrying a hidden meaning.
Coby furrowed his brows, genuinely puzzled by her statement. "Tell you what?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
"That you are Nami's man," Nojiko replied, her words hanging in the air like an unspoken truth. This is what you are worried about? Me being Nami's man, here I was thinking she was asking me to tell her I was capable, which I did...' Coby shook his head, realizing what this was about; it was about his connection to Nami. She hadn't referred to him as Nami's friend but as Nami's man. It was a distinction that held quite a meaning.
In that moment, everything clicked into place for Coby. Nojiko wasn't merely talking about his actions; she was implying a connection between him and Nami that went beyond friendship. The revelation left him somewhat stunned, and he began to understand the unspoken feelings Nojiko had for him. It seemed that, in their brief interaction, Nojiko had developed a certain fondness for him.
Coby found himself at a loss for words. Nojiko was undeniably attractive, a busty beauty, and he couldn't deny that he held a certain fondness for her. However, despite his ambitious aspirations to form his own harem in this new world, he knew that pursuing Nojiko would be an disrespect to both her and Nami. Human interactions were far more complex than they appeared in stories, and he had long since realized that.
The idea of courting sisters, even if they weren't related by blood, was something frowned upon, and Coby had no intention of causing any rifts between them. His respect for their bond and his understanding of the intricacies of their relationships ran deep. He had never anticipated that, in their brief interaction, Nojiko would develop such strong feelings for him.
Meanwhile, Nami, hidden away beneath the rooftop, had overheard Nojiko's words and discerned the underlying meaning. She knew her sister better than anyone in the world and felt her heart tighten at the revelation. Nojiko was family, and Nami wanted nothing but the best for her. But she also couldn't deny her own feelings for Coby.
Coby understood the complexity of Nojiko's feelings. There was a subtle reproach in her words, a gentle nudge meant to clear the air of unspoken emotions. He recognized that confronting her directly about her feelings would only complicate matters. It was a delicate balance, one he needed to maintain for the sake of both sisters.
He smiled at Nojiko, a gesture of friendship and understanding. "You know, Nami's more than just a crewmate to me," he said, his tone gentle yet firm. "We've been through a lot together."
Nojiko nodded, her eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions. "I can see that," she replied, her voice soft. "She's lucky to have you." Her smile was sincere, but there was a hint of sadness behind it, a resignation to the newfound loss of feelings that had just started to bud.
As they sat together, watching the celebrations below, Coby started to think how to get out of this mess of triangle. He had to navigate this situation carefully, respecting Nojiko's feelings while also being true to his own and Nami's.
Coby decided to steer the conversation in a different direction, hoping to divert Nojiko's thoughts away from the complexities of her feelings. He understood that it might be a little underhanded, but he believed that he could persuade her to focus on something else – something more constructive for the future.
"So," he began, choosing his words carefully, "I've heard that you and your sister were fostered by an amazing woman. It makes me wonder if her kindness could be passed on to others." His words, though seemingly straightforward, carried a deeper message. He wanted to plant the seed of an idea in Nojiko's mind – the idea of fostering unfortunate individuals from the sea, rather than pursuing romance. She could also be like Bellemere, and adopt, help those in need.
Nojiko's expression softened at the mention of their adoptive mother. "Yes, Bellemere," she said, her voice carrying a reverence that spoke volumes of the woman's impact on their lives. "She was... incredible. Strong, loving, and sacrificed everything for us."
Coby nodded, understanding the depth of her words. "Sounds like she was a true hero. The world needs more people like her," he remarked, genuinely admiring the courage and love of a woman he had never met. He continued, "She saved two of you when you were small. Really admirable and something to learn from."
Nojiko looked at Coby, surprise evident in her eyes. She had expected a different direction to the conversation, but his words resonated with her. "That... that's a beautiful idea," she muttered to herself. "Bellemere always said the greatest treasure wasn't gold or jewels but the people, Nami and I."
Although her voice was a whisper, Coby heard her. He wanted Nojiko to focus on fostering or maybe some other form of help to the unfortunate. This was the best solution he could think of. Although it was a bit manipulative, he didn't want to hurt her or come between two sisters. As Nojiko got up and left towards her house, Nami silently followed after her. Coby, looking at the sky, sighed, "Hopefully, I did the right thing."
Nami arrived at their house and looked at Nojiko, who had opened a bottle of sake and started to drink. "What are you thinking so deeply, Sis?" Nami asked, smiling, trying to uplift the mood. Nojiko looked at her and said, "I want to be a mother."
The statement hung in the air, filled with emotion and a newfound determination. Nojiko's gaze was distant yet focused, as if envisioning a future where she could give the love and care she had received from Bellemere. Nami, taken aback by the sudden declaration, sat beside her sister, her expression filled with both surprise and admiration.
"You... you want to be a mother?" Nami repeated, her voice soft, trying to understand the depth of Nojiko's sudden revelation. She too heard Coby, and knew what he was trying to do, but seeing Nojiko say it out loud was still shocking. It was a role filled with responsibility and love, something Nojiko, with her strength and compassion, was undoubtedly capable of but still not a decision that should be taken lightly.
Nojiko nodded, her eyes not leaving the bottle in her hand. "Yes, I've been thinking about it for a while now," she confessed. "Bellemere gave us everything, and I want to pass on that love, that strength, to someone else who needs it."
Nami heard what Coby said, and she thought Nojiko was affected by his words, perhaps considering fostering. She was proud of her sister's newfound purpose. "So you want to adopt?" Nami asked, her voice laced with admiration.
But to her surprise, Nojiko shook her head, her eyes fixed on the bottle in her hand. "I want to have my child," she declared, her voice steady and determined.
Nami was taken aback by the revelation. "Why?" she asked, the word escaping her lips before she could even process the shock.
Nojiko took a deep breath, her gaze shifting to meet Nami's. "Bellemere was everything to us. She wasn't just a mother; she was a hero, a fighter, and our savior. I've realized that I want to pass on those qualities myself, to raise someone with the same strength and love we were given."
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