Okay, first attempt at something more than a couple of chapters long which has *gasp* a plot. So first, I am publishing this now otherwise I will get distracted about halfway through and never finish and then get annoyed that I left it. Next, I don't really sleep so all my writing is done by hand in the little notebook by my bed and consequently I need to type it all up, which to be honest is a pain in the arse and takes me ages to do so apologies, I don't update that often. Also the first two (short) chapters are already written so will get them computerised A.S.A.P..

Oh, yeah, and my Zoro and Nami aren't really that true to character. Don't like it, don't read it.

And same applies if you don't like the pairing.

All that aside, enjoy =]

Prologue
The Contest
Zoro's P.O.V.

I slammed my tankard down on the table, hearing the dull sound resound through the wood. "Fifteen," I said, wiping the drops of escaped sake from the corner of my mouth as I watched Nami's vessel join mine. She offered me a smirk,
"Room spinning yet Zoro?" She asked, glee in her voice at what she though would be a victory. After Whiskey Peak, Nami and I had held several other drinking contests, as she often boasted about how she could out drink any man yet ignored my point that her victory didn't count, as I had decided to stop and keep my wits about me, sensing the impending fight. So far each attempt at settling the dispute had failed as we always ran out of money before deciding a victor. But tonight was different. I'd just rid the bar of some unwelcome customers and earned us a night of drinks on the house, though from the look on the bartender's face, he hadn't realised the implications of his words. I reached for my next tankard and downed it's contents too, still feeling level headed and confident, where as my nakama was starting to slouch ever so slightly sideways. For once, she hadn't involved money or gambled – this was all about pride and hell no was I going to lose to her. It was a simple matter of waiting it out and seventeen drinks later I got the result I had been waiting for when Nami's head joined her empty mugs on the table. I laughed, wishing so was still conscious so I could boast and rub salt in her well deserved wounds. Regardless, I stood to leave, pulling one of her arms around my shoulder and holding her wrist in place, using my other hand to support her torso as I began to haul her back to the ship.

To be continued…