It was a few days later before William arrived with a reply to my letter that I had sent to Sarah about a request to join the Straw Hats. I had my head resting on Zoro's lap my hair spread out like a fan listening to the sound of the waves as they hit the bow of the Going Merry. My eyes closed for a moment just listening to the call of seagulls as they cawed overhead.
Nami came over to see what was happening and couldn't help but smile when she saw the sight before her. She looks so peaceful. It's almost like this is the most relaxed she's been in a long time—just her, Zoro, and the baby that she's carrying.
Zoro ran his fingers through my hair and looked up to see Nami smiling and returning it. He bent over and kissed my forehead. "Sleep, Pretty Kitty. I'm right here."
William soon arrived and landed on the rail of the balcony with a wrapped piece of parchment. He scratched his head with one of his wings.
Nami went over to him and took the parchment from him. "This must be the reply that we're waiting for from Sara." She broke the seal and read the message. Kat and Zoro, I am so happy to hear that both of you are doing well and excited to hear the happy news that you are about to become parents. It's scary the first time around as new parents. You'll struggle at times, but you're both strong people, so I have no doubts that you'll be great at it. I would love to join your crew, but unfortunately, I have a lot of work to do. I would love to see you both at some point. I hope life on the open waters hasn't changed you both too much. Don't be strangers. Much love, Sara. She sighed, knowing it would be a disappointment to me when she told me.
Luffy came and bounded over as normal, all excited to hear the news. "So, do we have our doctor?"
Nami shook her head. "Nope. Sara's a little too busy, but she wants to see Kat and Zoro, so that's a positive. So we might make a pit stop so that it can happen. If that's alright with you, Captain."
Luffy nodded. "By all means. I wanna ask her in person myself. Maybe I can persuade her."
Nami smiled. "I highly doubt it, but you can try."
William flew down to where Zoro was and sat on his shoulder briefly before cleaning his feathers.
Zoro glanced up, seeing the hawk on his shoulder. "When did you get back, buddy?"
William pointed up to where Nami and Luffy were.
Nami smiled.
I slowly opened my eyes, seeing William on Zoro's shoulder. "He seems to have taken a liking to you."
Zoro smiled, still playing with my hair. "Sleep well, momma?"
I nodded. "Your lap is comfy what can I say."
Usopp came over and jumped a little seeing that William had returned so quickly. "When did he get back? He was gone for a few hours at the very latest."
I chuckled. "You're always so jumpy around William. He's not gonna hurt you." I reached up and stroked one of William's wings.
"And you're not?"
I shook my head. "Of course not. He's been my only companion when I'm on missions. You don't realize but being an assassin can get very lonely."
Usopp nodded. "I can only imagine what it was like for you to me alone."
I nodded. "It's not easy not having people you care about helping out on really dangerous assignments. Having eyes in the sky is great but having another person by your side is another. William has always been loyal to me. An assassin and a hawk are bonded for life."
Sanji came out of the kitchen. "Lunch is ready."
We all nodded and headed into the mess hall for lunch.
I looked at Nami while we ate. "Any word from Sarah?"
Nami nodded and handed me Sarah's letter. "She says that she's unable to join our group because her business is busy, but she would love to see you and Zoro."
I read Sarah's letter while I ate. "There's no shortage of expecting mothers that's for sure. But Sarah's right about one thing. Both Zoro and I are strong people. I mean someone.." I motioned to Zoro with a nod of the head making Nami giggle. "Is a little stronger than I am at times. And I'm not meaning in bed." That statement alone set Nami on a stage of uncontainable laughter.
"Girl! You had to mention that while I was eating!"
"Oh come on, you know it's true. He's not quiet either."
Zoro looked at me. "I'm not the only one to blame when it comes to being noisy in the bedroom."
I looked down at my feet a bit embarrassed. "A girl can't help it."
Nami shook her head. "God, I'm best friends with a couple who can't be quiet when they're fucking." She smiled and winked at me. "Not that I blame you."
Back on the deck, William let out a call that meant danger he flew around the ship many times hoping that one of us would hear him.
My head shot up as I heard William's call and my hand went slowly to my knife sensing the danger that he had spotted while still on the deck. I knew that William didn't make this type of call unless there was truly danger ahead. Something had to be up. It was either the government had sent the Marines or one of the seven Warlords after us. It didn't matter. All of them were going to die. Getting up without saying a word to the group I headed toward the door and left the kitchen.
Sanji stood there for a moment. "Was my food really that bad?"
Luffy shook his head. "I highly doubt that. I'm guessing it had something to with her hawk."
Zoro stood up. "Well, whatever it was, we should go see what it was."