If being the navigator to the crew meant commanding the captain around, she was sure more people would apply for the spot. After all the captain was one of if not the most notorious captain in the whole world. It wasn't a surprise to her when she saw people on the most recent island jumping at the chance to be a part of the crew where equality among members ruled. She was, however, surprised when he turned down all of the prospective crew mates. Granted, some of them had been a little on the young side, nearing just the beginning ages of a teenager, but they were strong, and seemed to fit right in with the rest of the crew.

She entered the aquarium bar, to ask that captain of hers the question that had raised on her mind, "Luffy?"

He turned around from making faces at the fish that Usopp was trying to catch from above. "Nami?"

"Can I ask you something?" She sat down on the couch, next to where he was kneeling.

"Yeah, what's up?" he replied, sitting cross-legged facing her.

"When we were at Thriller Bark a few years ago, you jumped on the chance for new crew members and asked everyone we met, until they attacked you..." She trailed off.

"Yeah? And?" Luffy questioned.

"So why did you turn away all those people?" She raised her head and faced him.

"Cause I didn't want them on my crew." Luffy answered.

"I know that!" Nami sighed, "That's why you turned them away."

Luffy tilted his head, confused on her statement.

"I meant why didn't you want them on your crew?" Nami asked.

"Cause I didn't." Luffy answered, as if it were as simple as that.

"They were strong, Luffy, and they got along well with you, and the rest." Nami frowned, "What makes them any different from us?"

Luffy's eyes widened, "Cause they aren't you guys." he answered.

Nami frowned, they were just going in circles, "Luffy," she sighed, "Don't you want a large and powerful crew?"

"Why do I need a big one?" Luffy asked, tilting his head.

"What about when we go up against Blackbeard? Don't you think we'll need a little bit more people then ten?" Nami asked.

"Nami." Luffy became more serious, "Are you scared?"

Nami stared at him, and blinked, before glancing away, and nervously laughing, "Of course I'm not scared, Luffy, I have..." she looked down at the floor, before smiling, "I have you to protect me." she whispered.

Luffy laughed, "Then why are you asking this?"

Nami glanced over at him, his cheerful self somehow lightening up her mood, and she wanted to hug him. She raised her arms, slowly, before quickly pulling her captain into a hug. She buried her nose into his black hair, as she smiled at his bravery, and faith that they were going to be okay. After a little bit, and him seeming to have gone a little limp, she rose her head, and pulled her captain's face out of her bosom.

"Nami, I couldn't breathe!" Luffy complained, as he gulped in air.

She held his face in her hands, and looked down at him, "You are so amazing, Luffy." she smiled before he smiled back.

He laughed, "You are too!"

His hands were on both sides of her hips, supporting himself from the hug she had given him. She rubbed her fingers against his rubber cheeks, one grazing his scar, the most caring smile on her face as she gazed down at his eyes. He had a huge smile on his face, so his eyes were squinted. Her gaze drifted down to his smiling lips, and she leaned down to kiss him.

"I know," she replied, her nose touching his.

His smile faltered as her realized how close she was. He brought his hands up as they went under her arms to her shoulder blades. He used her as leverage and kissed her. Smiling against her lips.