A/N: Sorry I took so long with the update, but here it is! Rejoice!

Chapter 7

It didn't take long for that moment to arise. Nami decided the crew's supply of fresh tangerines was running low and invited Sanji to join her in harvesting new fruit. Sanji was delighted to help.

The sun was high and the air mild and calm. Zoro was sleeping, as usual, in the sun; Usopp was tinkering away at some device he was bent on creating, and Luffy was sitting in his usual spot at the bow of the Merry. Nami emerged from the kitchen with Sanji in tow, carrying two baskets for the tangerines. Nami's sandals clomped up the stairs followed by the thud of Sanji's shoes. Sanji tried to stare at Nami's back but found his eyes drifting lower to her alluring bottom. Nami moved to the tree farthest from the view of the lower deck and set down her basket.

"Alright then," she said, tying her hair back and looking at Sanji, "thank you for helping me Sanji-kun."

"Of course Nami-san!" He smiled warmly. She grinned and turned back to the tree. Her body stretched as she reached for a particularly ripe tangerine. Sanji watched, swallowing hard as her tight, short skirt lifted small inches to reveal more of her round thighs. His eyes drifted higher to see the hem of her small tank top baring her thin waist. Unable to control himself, Sanji had no choice but to give in to fierce desire.

Nami turned to Sanji to hand him the tangerine when she was suddenly shoved against the tree, his mouth pressed firmly against hers. Nami's eyes widened and she tried to push him away but then his hands moved down her back and grasped her bottom, his fingers starting to knead. Pleasure coursed through her and she instantly gave up the fight. Tangling her fingers in his soft hair, Nami pushed his lips hard against hers, her tongue sliding past and finding his. Sanji moaned in bliss. The erotic kiss continued as Sanji's hands began roaming all over Nami's warm body. His fingertips brushed over her stomach, making her shiver in delight, her tongue tasting and stirring around his. His mouth pulled away from hers, the tip of his tongue brushing over her bottom lip, making her whimper in need. Sanji moved his lips down to her neck, roving over the soft skin as if to find the perfect spot. His lips parted and he gently started to suck on her skin. Nami's head fell back slowly and she sighed from the warm pleasure. His hands moved higher on her stomach, sliding over the round curves of her breasts, feeling the soft lace of her bra. Burrowing under the line of her bra, his fingers licked at the soft, firmness of her breasts. Nami gasped hard and moaned when he found an aroused nipple and started to softly run his finger back and forth over it. Nami's arms wound around Sanji's neck, pulling her body against his. Sanji's mouth broke from her neck as he gasped suddenly, her hips pressing against a very hard bulge in his pants. One hand slid from her breast down to her thigh, running up under her short skirt and squeezing the bare skin, his fingers digging into the softness. Nami moaned again in bliss, pulling him against her harder, her mouth moving up and licking the lobe of his ear. Her small lips grasped his earlobe and started sucking, making Sanji feel he was about to lose it. Sanji's mind was getting dizzy, his heart pounding faster in excitement. He wanted her so badly he felt he would explode. Nami's senses had been drowned by passion and need; her body was hungering for what his own body could offer her. Nami was ready and willing to give in to desire. Sanji's mouth moved back over hers, devouringly, his mouth hot and his tongue wild with hers. He was ready to give all he had to Nami when his eyes cracked open just a bit and looked at her. She was lost in passion, as was he, but he could still see her innocence. With the last of his sanity, and with heart-wrenching reluctance, Sanji pushed Nami's fiery mouth away. His hands immediately left where they had been to hold her shoulders and keep her at a distance. Sanji was gasping for breath, trying to control the fire raging in his blood. Nami tried to move back against him but Sanji held her at bay.

"No…no Nami-san…" Sanji panted, his head down, staring at the floor, trying to collect himself. Nami wanted to cry in despair.

"Why? Isn't this what you want?" She said hopelessly, a bead of sweat running down her cheek. Sanji raised his head and looked at her.

"Nami-san, I don't want this unless I know you want it too. And not just for relief. I want to know if you want me, not my body. I want to know if you want my love…" He explained, his tone serious, his eyes staring hard into hers. Nami was speechless. She stared back into his eyes, searching for the right answer. True, she did want his body, but love? For a split second, Nami saw her whole life flash in her eyes: all the tears, all the pain, and every bitter moment of loneliness. In this small moment, he was offering her the security and comfort she had always longed for. Nami wanted to cry. Not from the pain or sadness, but from happiness and even fear. She could see all the love he was prepared to offer her and Nami wanted to die wrapped in its warmth. Nami pushed his hands away and buried her face in his chest. Sanji was shocked.

"Nami-san…?" He murmured, confused. Her arms went around his middle and held so tight Sanji could feel the air being pushed out of his lungs.

"I won't make you wait anymore…I want your love…only if you'll accept mine…" Nami whispered, moving her head from his chest and running her hands along the sides of his face. Sanji was still stunned but Nami pulled him close and pressed her lips against his. Sanji stiffened but felt the answer to the question he'd feared for so long.

oOo

Less than two days later, the Merry harbored at a small town. Nami had managed to convince Luffy that the crew needed to gather supplies. Luckily, he agreed without questioning her but only smiled ridiculously. Sanji's eyes had caught hers while they were discussing the needed items and already knew her little plan she had formulated.

A/N: Hee hee, I know. I suck for leaving you like this, but the next chapter is hella long so be glad! Prepare for some smut kiddies!