Chapter Text
A soft knock echoes through the library one afternoon, as Nami draws a new map at her survey desk.
"Miss Navigator?"
"Yes, Robin?" Nami leans back in her chair, stretching her arms above her head.
Robin opens the door, a book held in her left hand. "I hope I'm not bothering you. Are you working on another map?"
Nami waves her hand dismissively. "Not bothering me at all, don't worry. And yeah, I'm finishing up the map for the last island we went to. It had awesome peninsulas, I want to make sure I get them just right."
"Always the perfectionist," Robin smiled, stepping into the room and closing the door behind her. "Don't you want to check out the island we're docked at right now?"
"Oh, I did already. I went to a few of the shops earlier and got a ton of clothes. Convinced the seller to give me 60% off! I picked up some new ink too, I was running a bit low."
"Ah. Well, I also was looking at some of the shops earlier–"
"Shopping for books, I assume."
Robin laughed. "You got me. Yes, I was book shopping. And, well…" She held out the book that had been tucked under her arm, smiling.
"'A Complete Guide To Cartography?'" Nami read from the book's cover.
"Yes, I saw this in a store and thought of you. I'm sure you already know everything there is to know about cartography– you're quite brilliant– but I looked inside and it contains some gorgeous pictures, so I thought you might enjoy it regardless."
Nami took the book from Robin, thumbing through the pages and pausing on beautifully intricate double-page spreads detailing the islands of the South Blue.
"Robin, this…" Nami was at a loss for words, and looked up to meet Robin's eyes. "It's incredible, thank you." I’ve never been given anything like this before.
"Of course. After all, with everything you do for our crew, the least I can do is pay you back like this." Robin smiled warmly, her hand resting on Nami's desk next to her nearly-finished map. "Though, between you and me, I think your maps are more beautiful than any in that book."
Nami blushed, struggling to contain her grin. "Thank you, Robin. Really, this means a lot."
"Anytime, Miss Navigator. I'll leave you to your work, I wouldn't want to take any more of your time. Don't work too hard, okay? Take breaks, remember to eat."
"I will."
As Robin opened the door, Nami could hear Zoro and Sanji yelling in the distance, the sound fading out of earshot as the door closed.
Nami's eyes stayed fixed on the door for a moment longer, before drifting back to the book, now resting on the edge of her desk.
This isn't just any cartography book. This is an expert's guide, the kind you only find in specialized stores. No run-of-the-mill bookstore would carry this.
Nami's hand brushed over the book's cover, coming to rest on the desk where Robin's had.
She must have searched the entire island for this book.