We have some options. Houses we need to case first, people we don't unless they look really rich, or dangerous. The bars where people gamble have too many gangs, it's easy coin but we don't need the attention - unless you know how to play well or you want to learn some easy stuff from me fast.
[ Things could be better, but at least they're all together, situated in a derelict windmill by the docks with enough space that everyone's not trying to kill each other - at least, most of the time. That knowledge seems to be enough to put some of the crew at ease, but it's not exactly cutting it for Nami, who's still almost as rattled and disoriented as she was waking up in that wooden cage surrounded by Zoro and a host of weird farmers. As crucial as the lockpicks meticulously hidden on her person is the sense of security that comes with having a stash of berry to help get her and the rest of the crew out of trouble, and without that, or any idea of where they are, Nami's left determined to get back to feeling like she's got both feet on the ground again, rather than in a state of flux, broke and lost.
Adversity makes strange bedfellows or so the saying goes, and they might have been onto something given that Nami's standing about half a mile away from the outer walls of one of the wealthier domus that's built closer to the seaside, waiting for Buggy. He's as lost as the rest of them are, and because of that, Nami thinks the odds are in her favor. If they were home she'd be sure the clown would betray any one of them in a heartbeat - already had back in Arlong Park according to what her friends told her once they were back together on the Merry again. Being here has put them on even ground, however, here they're just two skilled individuals trying to get ahead.
Nami pulls the black stocking cap she recovered from somebody's washing line over her hair, stiffening when she hears footsteps. Spotting Buggy doesn't relax her, exactly, but it's better than someone working for that Messalania or whoever was in charge of this place approaching. Once he's close enough she passes him a piece of paper with a floorplan of the house they're going to be heading towards that evening, speaking quietly as he looks it over. ]
The atrium is open, we can climb into the house from there, then– [ Nami steps closer so she can tap a few rooms she's marked on the plan, the study, the dining room, and the kitchen respectively. The places they're most likely to find things worth anything and least likely to run into any people. ] The kitchen has its own garden, we can get out from over the wall.
[This is so far from his usual style. He likes flash. He likes a production that makes sure no one forgets who Buggy the Clown actually is, or why he should be feared. Boring has never been his Thing. But this is practical, and Buggy likes to think he knows when to be practical. He might have a couple jobs in the works, but like Nami, he'd rather be comfortable. He'd rather have the security blanket of local currency that actually works.
And that means working with the tangerine menace herself, and actually being fairly confident she won't screw him over in the end. And not intending on screwing her over either, for once. He wouldn't be above it back home, but Nami is right... they're all alone in a strange, new world, and it makes sense to stick together. It's the only reason he's moved into the windmill with the Straw Hats, the only reason he's fairly confident sword boy will be all bark and no bite when it comes to tossing his head in the sea water or whatever.
It's why he's tolerating Luffy and his stupid straw hat, and Sanji-- well. Comparatively speaking, at least he never stole his map or beat up his crew.
This isn't quite the crew he thought he'd end up running with but Buggy is there when Nami tells him to be. No makeup (because hey, it costs money and he had to wash his face eventually) and all black. He fits in as well as he can with blue hair and a... unique nose. At least he does have the hair mostly hidden with a black bandanna he lifted somewhere.]
Hm-- [He takes the map, looking it over with a nod.] Sounds like a solid plan. You sure these people are rich enough for your standards?
[Just because he'll work with them doesn't mean he won't be a little bit of an asshole along the way, you know?]
Alright, c'mon. Quicker we get this over with, the sooner we get to the wine part of the evening. Anything you want to keep an eye out for in particular?
From what the housekeeper says, they're rich enough for all of us. [ It had been a stroke of luck, running into one of the ladies who works at the manor she's leading them towards now, her pace slowed by the desire to stick to the shadows. ]
The head of the family sounds like a real prick too. [ Which makes her feel marginally better about falling back on her burglarizing ways to get ahead. At least now she's doing it for herself and her crew, and not to pay off Arlong - by Nami's estimate everything's better when it's not done for Arlong. ] I'm going for whatever's in the desk in the study first. We need more information than we have almost as much as we need money.
[ The outer wall of the domus slowly comes into view, making the pensive look on Nami's face deepen as they approach. ] Can we throw your head over to get a look around first? [ Would his body be attracted to it and just go over the wall? Most of Nami's experience with Buggy's abilities came from taking him apart, not trying to efficiently get him back together. ]
Okay, send it over, whatever, stop being so loud. [ How is she supposed to know how this works Buggy? For what it's worth she wasn't going to toss it that hard.
Her glance shifts from the wall to him just in time to catch that wink and reward the offer with a dubious roll of her eyes and a weary sigh. ] Would you just go see if we're in a good spot to get in through the atrium roof? [ Nevermind that if it is easier to get over this wall with his help she'll take it, she's not going to mention that after that wink, thanks. ]
[He's not being loud! And fine. He rolls his shoulders a little as he steps ahead and. Well, off goes the head to check out what they're dealing with.
She's so bent out of shape over a wink. It was all in good fun. Just like when a head hops back up on the wall some time later with a quick nod right before it swiftly reattaches to his body.]
[ She has to be dismissive of that wink, especially because when he gives the all-clear, Nami's getting closer to the wall and looking at Buggy expectantly. ] Alright, give me a boost.
[ Whether he just nets his fingers so she can use them as a step, or something weirder (she wouldn't put it past him), Nami pulls her bandana down over her ears, clearly bracing herself. ]
[Look, he'll give her a boost up, with his hands, so she doesn't have to be too weirded out. Although he could probably think of something weirder, if she really wanted.
He'll go easy on her. Tonight.]
Alright, up we go. [And he's even being a gentleman, not checking out her ass.]
[ Relieved when nothing that weird comes from getting a hand up from Buggy, Nami waits on the roof for him to join her, inching closer to the edge of the open-air portion of the house, the darkened shapes of the fountain and various furnishings and plants below coming into view the longer she peers inside, letting her eyes adjust before making her next move, her ears trained for any sound that their arrival has disturbed the household in any way.
After a minute Nami turns to Buggy, sticking to the softest whisper she can as she points through the opening in the roof towards a corridor barely visible on one side of the area. ] Through there. If there's a safe leave it to me.
[ Going down is easier than coming up, and after letting herself hang off the edge by her hands for a split second, Nami lands, surprisingly quiet despite the boots, crouching in the dark and listening again. It would have been easier, and quieter to let Buggy help her again, but asking the once is her limit for a while. It's not you Buggy, it's her. ]
My, you're just full of skills, aren't you? [Once he's settled, he looks around their surroundings, thoughtfully.]
Which way first?
[He's a little dubious about picking any safes they may or may not come across, if only because they don't know how long they've got and he doesn't want to cause too much trouble when they're new.
On the other hand, they need fund and comforts, or this is going to be a real bad time. It means getting a little sneaky, apparently.]
Nobody makes a hundred million berry in eight years without talent. [ And she's just going to leave that comment where it is, stepping forward silently through the dark villa and waving him on towards the rear of the house.
She keeps an ear trained on any other noise beyond the two of them as they creep through the corridor, cocking her head towards one of the doors before heading toward it. Nami waits, listening for a second before she quietly pushes it open and slips inside.
The home office for the man of the house, a tidy sum of gold coins stacked in neat columns on the far side of the desk, seemingly waiting for them. ]
Now this is a nice office. [ Nami breathes, her eyes turning from the gold to the gilded curios lining the mantle, stowing a few in her rucksack as she moves. ]
Well, I will give you that. [She's talented and clever when she wants to be -- it's almost a shame she's with the Straw Hats. Luffy's too... Luffy, really.]
You can say that again...
[and there's a thrill of excitement. The gold. And a quiet little chuckle -- she can't begrudge him that. There's so much treasure here that it almost feels like being back home for a second.]
[ Nami works her way through the room efficiently, a few precious-looking objects vanishing into her rucksack, pausing here and there to check behind the things hanging on the room's walls, looking for a safe - or at least something extra valuable tucked out of sight. ]
I know a stressed-out housekeeper when I see one. [ Nami mutters under her breath, careful to keep her voice low. ] By the right one a few rounds, they'll tell you all about their job.
[ As if to prove her point, Nami swings a small painting out from the wall, pulling a sack of gold out of the hidden niche there. ]
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Houses first, I think. Easier. We're still getting a feel for this place after all.
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I'll find one. We go in, we take, we get out, we don't hurt anybody. Got it?
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How are they ever going to make it as proper pirates?]
Fine, fine. I promise I'll keep my knives to myself.
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So, we'll get in, take what we need, get out.
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Is asking you to tone it down and wear black asking too much? Before I even bother.
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I'll be in black.
[And he's probably run out of makeup by now too.
But she better not mention his nose!!!]
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[ She's not going to mention his nose! She's trying to get shit done and get some sense of security in this fucked up place. ]
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You've just made this deal so much sweeter.
– action, 2 days later
Adversity makes strange bedfellows or so the saying goes, and they might have been onto something given that Nami's standing about half a mile away from the outer walls of one of the wealthier domus that's built closer to the seaside, waiting for Buggy. He's as lost as the rest of them are, and because of that, Nami thinks the odds are in her favor. If they were home she'd be sure the clown would betray any one of them in a heartbeat - already had back in Arlong Park according to what her friends told her once they were back together on the Merry again. Being here has put them on even ground, however, here they're just two skilled individuals trying to get ahead.
Nami pulls the black stocking cap she recovered from somebody's washing line over her hair, stiffening when she hears footsteps. Spotting Buggy doesn't relax her, exactly, but it's better than someone working for that Messalania or whoever was in charge of this place approaching. Once he's close enough she passes him a piece of paper with a floorplan of the house they're going to be heading towards that evening, speaking quietly as he looks it over. ]
The atrium is open, we can climb into the house from there, then– [ Nami steps closer so she can tap a few rooms she's marked on the plan, the study, the dining room, and the kitchen respectively. The places they're most likely to find things worth anything and least likely to run into any people. ] The kitchen has its own garden, we can get out from over the wall.
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And that means working with the tangerine menace herself, and actually being fairly confident she won't screw him over in the end. And not intending on screwing her over either, for once. He wouldn't be above it back home, but Nami is right... they're all alone in a strange, new world, and it makes sense to stick together. It's the only reason he's moved into the windmill with the Straw Hats, the only reason he's fairly confident sword boy will be all bark and no bite when it comes to tossing his head in the sea water or whatever.
It's why he's tolerating Luffy and his stupid straw hat, and Sanji-- well. Comparatively speaking, at least he never stole his map or beat up his crew.
This isn't quite the crew he thought he'd end up running with but Buggy is there when Nami tells him to be. No makeup (because hey, it costs money and he had to wash his face eventually) and all black. He fits in as well as he can with blue hair and a... unique nose. At least he does have the hair mostly hidden with a black bandanna he lifted somewhere.]
Hm-- [He takes the map, looking it over with a nod.] Sounds like a solid plan. You sure these people are rich enough for your standards?
[Just because he'll work with them doesn't mean he won't be a little bit of an asshole along the way, you know?]
Alright, c'mon. Quicker we get this over with, the sooner we get to the wine part of the evening. Anything you want to keep an eye out for in particular?
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The head of the family sounds like a real prick too. [ Which makes her feel marginally better about falling back on her burglarizing ways to get ahead. At least now she's doing it for herself and her crew, and not to pay off Arlong - by Nami's estimate everything's better when it's not done for Arlong. ] I'm going for whatever's in the desk in the study first. We need more information than we have almost as much as we need money.
[ The outer wall of the domus slowly comes into view, making the pensive look on Nami's face deepen as they approach. ] Can we throw your head over to get a look around first? [ Would his body be attracted to it and just go over the wall? Most of Nami's experience with Buggy's abilities came from taking him apart, not trying to efficiently get him back together. ]
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He pauses, looking over at her before giving a playful wink.]
I can pull you over too, if you need a hand up.
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Her glance shifts from the wall to him just in time to catch that wink and reward the offer with a dubious roll of her eyes and a weary sigh. ] Would you just go see if we're in a good spot to get in through the atrium roof? [ Nevermind that if it is easier to get over this wall with his help she'll take it, she's not going to mention that after that wink, thanks. ]
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She's so bent out of shape over a wink. It was all in good fun. Just like when a head hops back up on the wall some time later with a quick nod right before it swiftly reattaches to his body.]
We're good to go, don't worry.
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[ Whether he just nets his fingers so she can use them as a step, or something weirder (she wouldn't put it past him), Nami pulls her bandana down over her ears, clearly bracing herself. ]
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He'll go easy on her. Tonight.]
Alright, up we go. [And he's even being a gentleman, not checking out her ass.]
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After a minute Nami turns to Buggy, sticking to the softest whisper she can as she points through the opening in the roof towards a corridor barely visible on one side of the area. ] Through there. If there's a safe leave it to me.
[ Going down is easier than coming up, and after letting herself hang off the edge by her hands for a split second, Nami lands, surprisingly quiet despite the boots, crouching in the dark and listening again. It would have been easier, and quieter to let Buggy help her again, but asking the once is her limit for a while. It's not you Buggy, it's her. ]
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Which way first?
[He's a little dubious about picking any safes they may or may not come across, if only because they don't know how long they've got and he doesn't want to cause too much trouble when they're new.
On the other hand, they need fund and comforts, or this is going to be a real bad time. It means getting a little sneaky, apparently.]
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She keeps an ear trained on any other noise beyond the two of them as they creep through the corridor, cocking her head towards one of the doors before heading toward it. Nami waits, listening for a second before she quietly pushes it open and slips inside.
The home office for the man of the house, a tidy sum of gold coins stacked in neat columns on the far side of the desk, seemingly waiting for them. ]
Now this is a nice office. [ Nami breathes, her eyes turning from the gold to the gilded curios lining the mantle, stowing a few in her rucksack as she moves. ]
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You can say that again...
[and there's a thrill of excitement. The gold. And a quiet little chuckle -- she can't begrudge him that. There's so much treasure here that it almost feels like being back home for a second.]
You got a good eye.
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I know a stressed-out housekeeper when I see one. [ Nami mutters under her breath, careful to keep her voice low. ] By the right one a few rounds, they'll tell you all about their job.
[ As if to prove her point, Nami swings a small painting out from the wall, pulling a sack of gold out of the hidden niche there. ]