A/N: I know! I haven't updated in forever; school got to me more than I thought it would. I've been named editor of the school newspaper! (Pretty rare for a sophomore.) I've been working on that a lot. So……SORRY!
(Note: The sword wielding first mate of the Mugiwara Kaizokudan will now be referred to as 'Zoro'. Why? To confuse you! Mwah ha ha!!!! )
"Pain"
Chapter 7
The full moon shines brightly on a warm night; its light illuminating the surface of the vast ocean.
Tonight it also casts a pale glow onto the deck of the Merry Go. Several feet below; Sanji and Nami slumber.
Yes, they shared a bed now. No, no, nothing like that, you perverts. They just enjoyed being close to each other….for now.
XOXOXO
Nami woke with a start; breathing in short labored gasps. 'Another nightmare.', she thought; realization slowly setting in, 'At least their becoming less frequent.' She sat up and put a hand to her forehead; trying to clear her thoughts.
Suddenly, a pair of strong arms snaked their way around her waist. "Are you okay, Nami-san.", Sanji asked with concern. "Fine.", she replied, "Just a nightmare. Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." "How could I even think of sleep when
my Nami-san is unhappy?", he cooed as he kissed her temple sweetly. "…Thanks.", she replied; embarrassed by so much attention. "C'mon…I'll make us some tea and you can tell me about it.", he said; helping her to her feet. "Olive
juice.", she said giving him a small smile. "Olive Juice, too.", he replied.
XOXOXO
The kitchen is dimly lit, and shielded from the cool night air by the warmth of the lit stove. The kettle begins to ominously hum, and Sanji quickly switches off the burner. Nami sat at the table and propped her chin up with her fist. They both wore their nightclothes; Sanji in a pair of jogging pants, and Nami in a soft tank top and dangerously short shorts. As the cook busily prepared two cups of tea; her eyes were drawn to his bare back. To her it seemed perfectly sculpted. Not too broad ; not too narrow. It gave her the, somewhat childish impulse to run up and hug him from behind. Sanji felt her eyes on him and smiled to himself. "It's not very polite to stare.", he teased as he returned to the table and sat down the cups and saucers. "Hmph. Is it my fault your so sexy?", she replied in mock annoyance. The love cook wore a suave grin. He noticed that she was becoming more and more open with him as their relationship developed. She was beginning to trust him.
XOXOXO
Nami was the most relaxed, and possibly the happiest, that she'd ever been after one of her nightmares. It seemed that Sanji was having this effect on her lately. No matter what was occurring at the moment; whenever she heard his
voice, she perked up. He comforted her, and she liked it. She liked it a lot. "What did you dream about tonight?", he asked; sipping his tea, "Do you want to tell me?"
XOXOXO
He always hated the bit of pain that briefly played across her delicate features when he asked that question. He would never ever ask unless he was sure that it was helping her to communicate her feelings. He was happy to be providing
her comfort, but he hated that he was helpless to prevent that small flash of sadness. He simply had to wait for her to let him in, and allow him to share her pain.
XOXOXO
Part of her had been dreading this question, but the logical side of her knew that, if anyone could make her feel better, it was Sanji. "It was……", she began; hesitantly, "…it was just his face….glaring at me…mocking me."
Finishing her statement; she drank the rest of her tea. "Hm. So Luffy saved you from ever seeing his face again, except in your dreams. Huh?", Sanji mused thoughtfully. "Mmhmm.", she replied somberly; her eyes downcast. "I just can't
get him out of my head."
Sanji slid close to her; straddling the bench. "Y'know Nami-san;", he began, "you've only been free of Along a few months." 'Has it really only been that long?', she thought. "Time heals all wounds.", Sanji continued, "The process
can even be sped up."
He then pulled her close to him; wrapping his arms around her midsection and resting his chin on the top of her head. "You just need help from someone you love.", he explained with a reassuring grin. "Thanks.", she replied with a
relieved smile.
Pushing a few stray strands of hair out of her face; Sanji delicately kissed her forehead. Hearing a happy giggle from Nami in return; he moved down to catch her lips in a loving kiss. She slid even closer to the chef; wrapping her legs,
bent at the knee, around his waist. As their tongues clashed; Sanji massaged her thighs tenderly. Nami reached up and ran her fingers through his hair. His hands traveled upward; to massage her lower back. She moved her hands in a criss-
cross pattern across his shoulders and back. His hands moved even further upward; rubbing the middle of her own back; through her shirt. All the while, they massaged each other's tongue with their own. He hesitantly moved his hand to
lightly brush against her breast, and she moved her hands to his thighs.
Suddenly Sanji pulled away, and let his hands rest on her shoulders. Nami gave him a puzzled look. "We're approaching the point of no return. I think we better go back to sleep.", he explained. "Fine.", she replied, a bit disappointed,
yet knowing her was right. He gave her his trademark smile, and helped her to her feet.
XOXOXO
They quietly walked back to their room; hand in hand. They were approached the door; when Sanji stopped Nami and looked her straight in the face. "Nami-san,…..did you mean it when you said I was sexy?", he asked with a devious
grin. She giggled in return; "Of course I meant it; your sexy."
"Yeah? Well I've got news for you. I think your sexy too.", he said; putting his arm around her shoulder. "You're sexier.", she teased. "No, you're sexier.", he replied. "No you-", Nami began; but was interrupted by the sound of
the bathroom door swinging open. "Can't a man take a piss without hearing the word 'sexy' so many damn times?", Zoro asked, annoyed. Sanji and Nami stared at him for a second; then said in unison, "Shut up, Marimo."
TO BE CONTINUED