The Ties That Bind: Friendship, Trust……. and Love?

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece.

Takes place after Enies Lobby and may contain spoilers so BEWARE!!!!!

A/N: Please R&R. Please No Flames. Reviews are appreciated. I am trying to keep the crew in character but there will be times some of them will be OOC. So please don't flame. I hope you enjoy. Thanks

Continued from the previous chapter…

Promises

Luffy had a feeling that Sanji was starting to get serious with Nami. Considering what they all just endured at Enies Lobby it was no surprise. Almost losing Robin to the World Government and the hardships they endured at Water 7 with Usopp. All of them were a little closer now and Luffy noticed Nami and Sanji were getting a little closer than they normally do.

Luffy watched them from afar and decided not to tell Nami how he felt or to interfere with their budding relationship. Deep down however, he secretly hoped his hunch about her and Sanji was wrong.

"Sanji, you better not make her cry." Luffy said in a low voice.

He then turned around and got back on the Lion's head and stared back out into the ocean towards the horizon trying to get all his thoughts of her out of his head.

Nami had gone out to the Tangerine Grove on the ship to go relax. The grove was her sanctuary, the one place that reminded her of Cocoyashi Village and her home with Bellemere and Nojiko. She put a blanket down to lie on to relax and was looking over notes from the islands they had visited. She was going over her notes from Water 7 when a slight chill traveled down her spine. She didn't know what it was but it didn't feel right to her. She glanced up towards the Lion's head and saw Luffy. Their eyes met for a moment and she felt some thing was wrong. Suddenly Sanji came and grabbed her attention. He asked if she wanted to watch the sunset with him. She politely agreed and took his hand, especially when he said he had something special waiting for her. She then followed him to the back up the ship to watch the setting sun.

Now Sanji had been waiting for the right moment to express his feelings to Nami. While they were still at Water 7 waiting for the Thousand Sunny to be built, Sanji saw a small diamond ring at a jewelry shop and thought to himself…

Why not? She loves jewelry and I have the perfect plan to tell her how much she means to me. I've got to at least try.

After leaving Water 7 he made an effort to spend more quality time with Nami. He started to accompany her during her shift to watch the ship. Leaving little notes and snacks for her in her room and just spending some nights just talking with her and keeping her company.

After finishing up in the kitchen, Sanji headed out to the main deck to look for Nami. He had something special prepared for the two of them and the weather was perfect for what he had planned. He saw her relaxing among the mikan trees in the Tangerine Grove and casually walked over to her.

"Afternoon Nami-san,"greeted Sanji.

"Hello Sanji-kun,"replied Nami.

"Would you like to watch the sunset with me?" he asked.

"I don't know...I still have to go through my notes from Water 7." Nami replied politely.

"I also have something special for you as well," Sanji said happily.

"Oh really? I guess I could take little break." She replied.

"Great! Come with me and I'll show you," replied Sanji gleefully as he reached out his hand to help her up.

"Ok, ok you peaked my curiosity." She replied as she took hold of his hand.

He grabbed her hand and led her to the back of the ship. When they arrived Sanji had setup a candle lit table for the two of them with some appetizers, glasses and an expensive bottle of wine. He politely pulled the chair for Nami and helped her to her seat. He then grabbed the bottle of wine and poured glasses for the two of them.

"So how do you like the wine?" Sanji asked.

"Its wonderful but, you didn't need to go to all this trouble Sanji-kun." Nami said.

"It's my pleasure, Nami-san." replied Sanji.

"So what is the special occasion for all of this?" she asked as she took a bite of the appetizer he had prepared.

"Well, after all the hardships we have endured I just wanted to tell you and show you how much you mean to me." Sanji started.

"Show me?" Nami answered with a questioning look.

Sanji then pulled a small box with a bow from his pocket.

"This is just gift from me to you. Don't get the wrong idea when you open it. Okay? I'll explain when you open it." he said imploringly.

Nami took the box and looked at Sanji hesitantly. Thoughts started to gather in Nami's mind.

Oooh! a jewelry box! she thought excitedly. Wait a second, what is this about? I know we have been spending more time together lately and I know he said not to get the wrong idea but, I wonder what this could be? Oh my goodness, this better not be an engagement ring! She started to feel nervous.

She untied the bow and opened the box in anticipation. Her heart started to beat faster. Inside the box she saw a gold diamond ring.

Well he's not getting down on one knee so this isn't a marriage proposal thank goodness. She said to herself nervously.

"So do you like it Nami-san?" he asked shyly.

"Ummm. I don't know what to say Sanji. Its beautiful but..." she said then was at a loss for words.

"Its a promise ring, Nami-san," Sanji said as he noticed her struggling for words.

"Promise ring?" she replied confused.

"Yes Nami, I justed wanted tell you and show you how much you mean to me and how much I care about you." Sanji said with a nervous grin.

"Sanji, I know you care and I care about you but, you didn't need to do this." she said blushing a bit.

She said she cares about me! Sanji happily thought to himself.

"Nami-san the ring is gift and a symbol of the promise of tomorrow. I promise to always be here when you need me and if you let me, make you happy." Sanji stated with hope in his voice.

"Sanji, I'm very flattered but this is just too fast, too soon." she replied.

"All I am asking you is that you give us a fair chance." he said pleadingly.

He really is trying and it has been nice being with him, I guess I can at least give him a chance. She thought to herself.

"All right Sanji-kun, but if you give me even the slightest reason, it's over!" she said with a smile.

"Nami-swan!!!" was all Sanji could say.

He stepped closer to her, took her hand and helped her up. He pulled her close. They looked into each other's eyes then embraced. Sanji was in heaven.

If I'm dreaming don't wake me up! he said happily to himself.

Sanji kept his arms around her as they watched the sun disappear into the ocean and then the stars as they came out of hiding to fill the night sky.

This is nice! (smiling) I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens… Nami said to herself as she stared into the night sky.

To be continued...