The boat rocked gently as the island grew closer, its outline clearer with each passing minute. The sunlight warmed the deck, the breeze carried the scent of salt and something faintly sweet—like fruit trees just beyond the coast. Nami adjusted the sail while Kairos lounged with one leg hanging off the edge, humming a tune that was either made-up or terribly off-key.
"You always this relaxed before docking?" Nami asked, raising a brow.
"Only when I'm traveling with a beautiful redhead who hasn't tried to kill me in the last twelve hours," Kairos replied with a lopsided grin.
She gave him a look. "I'm still considering it."
"That's fair. I probably deserve it."
Nami smirked, then rolled her eyes as she turned her attention back to the rudder. Kairos tilted his head, watching her. "So... how's the whole 'not trusting me' thing going? Still holding strong?"
"Barely," she muttered. "You're annoyingly charming. It's suspicious."
"Oh no. Caught red-handed. My only crime is being too delightful."
She shook her head, but the corner of her mouth twitched upward.
"What about you?" he asked. "Do you always run off with treasure and a scowl, or am I just lucky to see your best side?"
"You're seeing my *patient* side," she said, tapping the map with her pencil. "And I only run off when there's a good reason."
Kairos leaned back, arms behind his head. "And here I thought you were just living your pirate fantasy."
"I'm *not* a pirate," she snapped reflexively, then hesitated. "I mean... not really."
"Mmhm," Kairos teased. "That sack of stolen gold says otherwise."
"It's not stolen. It's—okay, maybe technically it is, but it's *righteous theft*. There's a difference."
"Ah, the noble thief archetype. Classic."
"You're seriously annoying."
"And yet," he gestured around the boat, "you still haven't thrown me overboard."
She sighed dramatically. "I must be going soft."
"No, just smart. I'm an excellent conversationalist and decent ballast."
A small laugh escaped her before she could stop it.
They lapsed into a comfortable silence again, only the waves and gulls filling the air between them. The island was clearly visible now—lush greenery, white sand, and a few low cliffs.
Kairos squinted. "Looks quiet. Think we'll find trouble, or are we actually getting a break this time?"
"Knowing my luck? Trouble. Always."
"Well, at least we make a good team for it."
Nami side-eyed him. "We've known each other for like, a day. That's a bit soon to call us a team."
"Fine," he said, mock-offended. "How about 'temporary truce duo with suspiciously good chemistry'?"
She chuckled again, shaking her head. "You talk a lot for someone who fell from the sky."
"That's because falling from the sky gives you a great appreciation for life and witty banter."
"...You're weird."
"You say that like it's a bad thing."
She didn't answer this time. Instead, she leaned on the side of the boat and looked at him a bit longer, thoughtful. "So, what's your angle, really? You just… help people for fun?"
Kairos shrugged. "More or less. Sometimes it's fun. Sometimes it's heartbreaking. But mostly, it just feels right. Like I'm supposed to."
"You don't even know them."
"Doesn't mean they don't matter."
She frowned at that. "You sound like someone who's been through too much."
"Takes one to know one."
Nami stared at him, a bit more serious now. "You don't ask for much in return, do you?"
"Nah. A good conversation, maybe. A nap in the sun. Someone remembering my name now and then."
She smiled faintly. "You're not like anyone I've ever met."
Kairos raised an eyebrow. "You say that like you've met a lot of guys falling from the sky."
"Shut up."
"Yes ma'am."
The boat creaked as it brushed gently against the shallows near the shore. Nami jumped out first, tugging the rope to secure it to a rock. Kairos followed with a small hop, landing beside her.
The beach was quiet. No signs of patrols or camps. Just birdsong, waves, and the whisper of trees.
"Looks peaceful," Kairos said.
"Too peaceful," Nami muttered. She was already scanning the area with practiced caution.
Kairos walked beside her, hands in his pockets. "You know, if this goes well, we should totally retire here."
"You and me? Retire? That's hilarious."
"I can see it now. You with your maps. Me with a hammock. Occasional pirate brawls for entertainment."
"Kairos."
"Hmm?"
"Shut up and keep watch."
He grinned. "As you wish, partner."
As they stepped off the boat and began their walk up the shore, neither said it—but both felt it.
This wasn't just a team-up. It was the beginning of something neither of them had planned for. And maybe, just maybe, something worth fighting for.