A/N: Hot damn! An update! Anywho, this chapter is longer, just like I promised!

Chapter 4

Nami had also noticed that their cook was late to make breakfast, but instead of grumbling like the rest, she was concerned. Always the first to morning meals, Nami had felt her day darken a bit when she had come to the kitchen and Sanji had not already been there to greet her. Every morning Nami would come to the kitchen and Sanji would always be there with a goofy smile and a specially made plate of food prepared just for her. Sometimes a flower would be placed next to the dish and to Nami it was the perfect morning greeting. Even all of Sanji's silly poems and lyrics of love and devotion he seemed to think up right on the spot made it all the more wonderful. But to come to a kitchen without him already in it, with his cheery disposition and soft humming while he was busy cooking, made it seem lifeless and dark. Despite the fact Nami didn't like his smoking, when she couldn't smell it as she started toward the kitchen that morning she felt something was wrong. When she had found Sanji not there, Nami had gone to his room to check and see if he was all right. About to knock and call for him, she had stopped when she heard him moaning. At first Nami had thought he was having a bad dream but, listening further, she realized he was having a good dream! A blush seared her face and she was going to leave quickly but part of her wanted to stay and listen for a name. Nami had figured it was about some empty-headed girl he'd met on one of their previous adventures. Even if it was, why did she feel a pang of misery and the stab of jealousy? Whoever she was, Sanji was certainly making a racket about her and for some reason Nami felt part of her relishing those moans. Shaking her head firmly, she pushed away that thought with embarrassment.

Nami had decided to wait until she heard a name but Luffy had come running down the hallway in a terror because there was no breakfast in the kitchen being made. Nami had leapt from Sanji's doorway when she had heard Luffy's voice coming down the hallway. She had heard him mumbling a bit but Nami heard no name and let out a peeved huff for Luffy's interruption. Nami waited and watched as Sanji and Luffy left for the kitchen.

oOo

Sanji came into the kitchen greeted by many disgruntled faces but ignored them and started making food. Nami entered a few minutes later, seeing and almost feeling their cook's discontent. Sitting down on the far end of the table, Nami watched Sanji's back as he worked. For nearly ten minutes no humming issued from him indicating his mood. Finishing with the meal, Sanji promptly dropped several pots of food and left without a word. A pause hung around the crewmembers until Luffy, Usopp, and Zoro decided to start eating, dismissing their cook's behavior. Except for Nami. She tried eating but her food tasted half-hearted and not as full of pride and love as it always had for her. A small wave of disappointment settled over her but she swallowed down the meal, hoping that by eating it would ensure some sort of satisfaction for Sanji.

Time dragged by and Nami started to grow uncomfortable without Sanji's presence. While she'd enjoyed his cooking, Sanji would always have hovered around her asking if it was too hot or too cold or didn't have enough flavoring, but Nami would always reply with a grin of approval. That was enough to send Sanji into a whirlwind of delight.

The lack of attention finally bothered Nami to an extent that she got up and left to follow their cook. Nami hadn't realized how much she enjoyed Sanji's company until he decided to not be there. Moving out into the sunshine of late morning, Nami began her search for the piqued cook. At first, she figured he'd be at the bow of the ship smoking and staring out to sea, which is what Sanji often did when he was in a mood, but he was nowhere to be found. Nami was surprised. Thinking where else he could possibly be, Nami decided to check the small tangerine grove. Oftentimes, Sanji would assist her in picking the ripened fruits and he'd vowed to defend her trees from hungry observers. Sure enough, Nami found him sitting under one of the heavily leafed trees. Nami watched him for a moment as he flicked his lighter open and closed rhythmically, indicating he was thinking. A smile, for some reason, crept over her lips and before she could stop herself, Nami started to approach him. Sanji detected her presence and looked up in surprise. When he realized it was Nami, he stood up quickly, pocketing his lighter.

"Nami-san? What are you doing out here? Don't you want breakfast?" Sanji asked, trying to hide his unhappiness with cheerfulness. Nami moved to his side and sat down on the edge of the small atrium for the tree.

"I finished already and I wanted to come outside." She answered simply. A pause hung between them for long moments. Finally Nami managed to voice her concern.

"Sanji-kun, are you alright? You've become so…intimidating these past few days…" She said, a note of worry in her voice. Sanji looked at her, even more surprised. He hadn't anticipated this kind of reaction. Quickly, he forced a smile.

"Of course I'm alright Nami-san! Why wouldn't I be happy when I have the pleasure of serving my beautiful Nami-san!" He sang benevolently. Nami saw through the charade he was pulling but let him have his way. A sigh escaped her and she stood up, dusting off her backside.

"Alright then Sanji-kun. I was just a little worried about you." Nami said softly. Sanji felt a wave of relief wash over him, grateful she had not asked further. Sanji was about to say something but stopped abruptly when Nami moved in front of him. A blush threatened to stain his face when confronted by the close proximity of their bodies. Nami started to speak which saved him from some anxiety.

"Your tie. It's really crooked." She observed, running her fingers over the sloppy knot. Sanji looked where she indicated and noticed too how lousy the knot was.

"Oh? I must have been in a rush to get breakfast ready." He murmured, scratching the back of his head embarrassed. Sanji was about to fix his tie when Nami's soft hand touched his.

"Here, let me." She said softly, pushing his hands away gently. Sanji stared transfixed as her slender hands undid the silky fabric and skillfully straightened and wound the strip of cloth back together. For some reason, Nami's hands fascinated him. They were small, delicate, pale things that seemed always busy. A telltale callous was on her middle finger indicating her constant handling of pens and pencils. Sanji felt he could be content just holding and exploring Nami's beautiful hands, noticing how well she took care of them. That thought in mind made him wonder if she took just as much care when it came to other areas of her body.

Nami finished with his tie and smoothed it firmly against his chest. That gesture alone made his loins quiver and grow warm. Sanji did his best to ignore the sensations but was stunned when he realized Nami's hands had remained pressed against his chest. His head raised and he was suddenly captured within her gaze. A tenderness seemed to resonate in her soft brown eyes, a glow Sanji hadn't noticed before. Their eyes stayed focused in each others stare until Nami realized how uncomfortably hot her face was becoming. Quickly she pulled away to a more comfortable distance, a blush tainting her face.

"Um, there you go! Is that better Sanji-kun?" Nami asked, clasping her hands behind her back. Sanji could feel his hands shaking.

"Hai…Nami-san." He managed to choke out. Nami smiled and turned to leave when Sanji reached out and grabbed her wrist.

"Nami-san! Wait, I need to tell you something…" Sanji said hurriedly, an anxious look on his face. Nami looked at him with surprise.

"Hai Sanji-kun?" She asked looking into his eyes. Sanji could feel his body shaking and sweat running down his back.

Tell her…tell her how much you love her…! His mind roared. Sanji pulled her closer to him, holding her hands. Nami's eyes were wide, a blush searing her face. She wanted to say something but her voice didn't seem to work. Sanji squeezed her hands gently, looking deep into her eyes. He swallowed and started to speak.

"Nami-san…I have wanted to tell you—"

"NAAAMMIII! LUFFY IS STEALING ALL MY BREAKFAST! MAKE HIM STOOOP!" Usopp's voice screamed, sounding like a whining child. Nami blinked and pulled her hands away.

"Ah! Coming Usopp!" Nami yelled back turning and starting to head downstairs. She looked back at Sanji over her shoulder sorrowfully.

"I'm sorry Sanji-kun, we'll talk later!" She apologized quickly, running back to the kitchen to yell at Luffy. Sanji stood staring at her departing form, then fell back on the edge of the atrium, defeated.

"Damn it all to Hell! Why can't I ever get a word out when I need to!" Sanji thundered angrily, his hands running through his hair roughly.

A/N: There you go you crazy people, next chapter will be finished shortly so be patient! Just kidding.