A/N: This story is independent from canon... So we'll just assume it's sometime after WCI. ^^v
When it came to lighting a cigarette, a lighter was much more convenient than matches. It was durable, reliable, and reusable. But when it came to lighting a fireplace…?
Sanji cleared out most of the ash in the kiva fireplace. It was leftovers from whatever minister previously occupied the room. The ash looked to be pretty old. Hopefully the fireplace was still safe… Next the cook gathered some of the papers littering the floor. They were dry enough to try to help with the starter kindle. "We're going to need some firewood," he thought out loud. The small rack next to the fireplace was empty.
"What about the dresser in the hall?" Nami suggested. The navigator sat on the bed, huddled inside her crewmate's suit jacket. She was grateful that he let her borrow it, but it was only a temporary solution. The dress underneath the jacket was still cold, wet, and stuck uncomfortably to her body. It would have been wiser to just take it off, but that wouldn't have done any good if Sanji-kun couldn't get the fireplace lit to warm up the room.
Glancing out the window, the redhead noticed the sky rapidly getting darker. How late in the day was it when the crew had to run? The bacon fight happened over dinner. How long had it been since then? The overcast sky gave no indication of what time it was. More importantly, the storm had not let up enough for them to find their way back to the ship. "We're going to have to stay here overnight… aren't we."
The cook was bringing in splintered pieces from the wooden dresser he had just kicked apart in the hallway. He looked up as soon as he heard his crewmate's voice. Worry was written on her face. Sighing, he crouched near the fireplace again and arranged the makeshift firewood. "It looks like it," he said reluctantly, knowing it wasn't what the navigator wanted to hear. "But don't worry," he added. "Once I get this fire lit, I'll let you have the bed and I can find some place to sleep downstairs."
What?! Her eyes opened wide in surprise at her own reaction. What was she expecting? Did she want him to stay in the room with her? It's only because I'm afraid, she told herself. How ridiculous! Sanji-kun stay in this tiny room with her… Where would he even sleep?
Suddenly a spark caught her attention. After a few attempts, Sanji managed to get a fire going. Warming his hands, he smiled at his own small triumph. "Alright, Nami-san," he stood up after a minute or two and brushed off his knees. "You should probably hang your dress up so that it can dry." She didn't reply. She just stared at the fire while biting her lip. It looked like she was deep in thought about something. "Are you okay?" the cook asked with concern.
Blinking, Nami looked back to the blond. "Umm, yeah… Sorry," she apologized. She hoped that he couldn't see her blushing in the firelight. "I… I think I may have twisted my ankle when I fell earlier." It was a lie. She wanted him to stay a bit longer while she tried to come to a decision.
"Want me to look at it?" he offered. She smiled and gave him a slight nod. Kneeling at the base of the bed, he took one of her legs. The high-heeled shoe was still cold and damp as he removed it. Concerned, he quickly removed the other and placed them both near the fireplace. She should have taken those off a while ago.
When he turned back to her, the cook was stunned for a moment. He was literally at her feet. His mind wandered through the various fantasies he previously had of being in this position and he felt a nosebleed coming on. Summoning his will power, he shook the perverted thoughts from his head and gently took her right leg. "I-I'm not Chopper or anything, Nami-san," he stated while timidly feeling around her ankle for any swelling. Her skin was incredibly smooth. He had the urge trail his fingers up the inside of her thigh to see if the rest of her leg was just as smooth. Instead, he cleared his throat and dismissed the idea. Slowly, he placed her foot back on the floor. "It seems okay. There wasn't any swelling." Thankfully that was over. It wasn't that he didn't want to touch her. Actually, it was quite the opposite. Sanji shifted himself, trying to hide his arousal.
"What about the other one?" Nami asked quietly. Her heartbeat was racing. She couldn't admit how much she enjoyed his touch. If Sanji-kun knew what she was thinking, he probably would've teased her for being a pervert. Or he would've been disgusted with her. What kind of lady would have those types of fantasies? Not that she was even a lady in the first place… She couldn't help sighing softly as his fingertips felt around her left ankle.
Sanji looked up at her. He thought he heard her sigh. Goddamnit! He was so turned on now that he was starting to hallucinate. His heart pounded against his ribs. Couldn't she see how much this was torturing him? Maybe she did know and she was enjoying it. That's why she kept him here at her feet like some sort of love slave. Who was he kidding?! He was already a slave to her love from the moment he first saw her on the Baratie. With a sigh, Sanji let go of her left leg. "Nothing there, either." He moved back on his knees, then stood up. Putting his hands in his pockets, he tried to act cool and hide his disappointment. She was always only going to see him as her nakama. And he would always be a foolish slave to her. "You should probably get some sleep, Nami-san." He turned to leave when he felt a sudden tug on his left shirtsleeve. Looking back at her, he wasn't able read her expression. "Nami-san?"
Eyes downcast, she couldn't even look at him. She was too embarrassed. Somehow she managed to say, "Stay with me?"
"Hm?!" Did he hear her right? Nah, it couldn't be… Why? She wouldn't… Brown eyes met his and silenced his thoughts.
From somewhere, she gathered the courage to look him in the eye. Sincerely, she repeated her request. "Can you stay with me tonight?"
To be continued...
A/N: Sorry that this chapter feels a bit short, but it made more sense to end it here than originally planned. You'll see why in the next chapter. ^^
I listened to Say Goodbye by Dave Matthews Band while writing most of this chapter. ^^;
