Luffy was having the time of his life. For some reason, he felt no pain anymore after his fight with Gecko Moria. Maybe laughter really was the best medicine.

I should ask Chopper!

And he would've, but his reindeer doctor was having a ball eating cotton candy with Robin. So, Luffy decided not to bother him.

His new skeleton friend, Brook really new how to liven up a party with that music of his. Finally, he had a musician on his crew. Luffy had wanted to find a musician right after entering the grand line. But when Nami had suddenly fallen sick…well his priorities needed to be put in check.

Speaking of Nami, Luffy hadn't been able to find his Navigator anywhere at the party. Between bites of meat, he scanned the crowd within Moria's castle, looking for her orange hair. But she was nowhere to be seen.

Weird, Nami loves parties.

Come to think of it, Luffy hadn't seen her since he woke up, which was ages ago. Now feeling worried, he sought out the one person who would most likely know of her whereabouts.

"Robin!" Luffy called to her, wielding two large chicken legs.

Robin sat at one of the tables with Chopper on her lap.

"Yes, Captain?"

"Luffy!" Chopper squealed, still entranced by the Cotton candy.

He plopped down next to them.

"Have you guys seen Nami?"

Chopper shook his head. Robin bit her lip, looking conflicted.

"I have."

Luffy grinned. "Great, where is she? She's missing the party."

"Luffy…I'll tell you where she is, because you're the captain. But I'll warn you, I think she wants to be left alone."

That instantly took all the joy out of Luffys demeanor.

"Is she okay?" He asked, sounding worried.

"I'm not sure. She's in our room on the Sunny. She's been there for some time now."

Frowning, Luffy nodded and thanked her for the information. Why would Nami rather be cooped up on the ship? He suspected that they'll be partying here at Thriller Bark for another day or so. Maybe he could convince her to join them for tomorrow.

Luffy decided to excuse himself from the party and go check on his friend. Once on the ship, Luffy made his way to the girls' room.

Just as he went to knock, the door swung open. Luffy stepped back, as the door revealed a slightly disheveled Nami. Her orange hair all over the place, and her eyes were a little red.

Was she crying?

"Luffy…" she said, softly. "I was just going to go look for you."

"Shishishi, I was looking for you too. How come you're not at the party?"

Nami put her head down.

"I'm just…not in a partying mood."

"So, why where ya looking for me?" Luffy asked, concern in his gaze.

Nami grabbed his hand. Which Luffy thought was weird. She rarely touched him. Unless she was hitting him, of course. And maybe the occasional hug.

"Can you come in my room? I need to talk to you about something."

Luffy shrugged and nodded. He let her pull him into the women's cabin. She guided them to her bed. He sat down next to her, waiting patiently.

"So…you feel all better after your fight?" Nami asked.

"Shishishi, yep! Chopper said I'm all good."

"Ah, that's good to hear."

Silence filled the room. Why was it so awkward? He was never awkward with any of his crew-mates.

Luffy scooted closer to her. He was acutely aware when Nami flinched at the sudden movement. Luffy frowned.

"Nami, are you alright?"

She shook her head, not meeting his eyes.

"Do you know what Absalom did?"

"The invisible guy?"

She nodded.

Luffy rubbed his chin in thought.

"He tried to marry you."

"That's not all he did." Nami took a deep breath. "I was an idiot. I took a shower in the castle and he snuck in and…and tried to—"

Nami couldn't finish, she broke out into tears, throwing her arms around Luffy. Stunned, Luffy returned the hug, bringing her close.

He could feel her tears wet his shirt, but he didn't care. His nakama needed him.

"Nami, you're not an idiot. That guy was a creep. I'm happy Sanji kicked his ass. I wish I could've done it myself."

They broke apart as she started to calm down. But their arms remained in a sort of half-hug.

"It's just…Luffy, he knocked me out and changed me into that wedding dress. I woke up in completely different clothes. I-I don't…I don't know what he did when I was asleep."

Luffy paled at the thought.

The tears slowly trickled out again. "I wasn't sure if he…did that to me. If he took my…" Nami trailed off.

Luffy's expression darkened.

"Did he?"

She sniffled. "Thankfully, he didn't. I think he wanted to wait until after we were married."

Thank god.

"Nami, I'm so sorry that almost happened. I should've been there. After Arlong, I promised I wouldn't let anyone take away your freedom. I almost failed to keep that promise."

"No, it's not your fault. You've been the best captain and friend I could ever ask for."

Luffy smiled. "Thanks, Nami. That means a lot to me." He wiped her tears away with his thumb. "If there's anything I can do for you, just let me know."

-

Anything…

Nami knew it was true. Luffy had defeated her captor and freed her, he had nearly died of frostbite climbing a mountain to save her when she was sick, and countless more.

She blushed thinking about all that. He was her knight in shining armor. A very goofy, rubber, and sometimes stupid knight, but a knight all the same. Nami had an idea of what she was feeling about her captain. But those thoughts were selfish. She would never get in the way of his dream. How could she? After everything he's done for her.

But he did say he'd do anything for me.

This brought Nami back to why she was going to look for Luffy. But how in the hell was she going to ask him.

"Luffy."

"Yeah?"

She bit her lip.

"You said you'd do anything for me?"

"Of course."

She looked into his eyes and could tell he was telling the truth.

She took a deep breath.

"Then I…kinda have a favor to ask you."

"Anything, Nami."

She paused. How could she explain this to Luffy? Would he even understand?

"When I first became a thief and started stealing from pirates, I understood that there was always a chance that people might try to…you know." She closed her eyes. "Force themselves on me."

Luffy nodded, clearly uncomfortable.

"It's just…the fact that it almost happened. It terrified me."

"Don't worry, Nami. I swear that we'll protect you. This will never happen again," Luffy said, with determination.

"You can just say no if you're uncomfortable."

"I wanna help," said Luffy.

Nami continued. "Really, it's okay if you refuse."

"Nami, what is it?"

"I-I don't want my first time to be with someone like Absalom. I want…I…"

Nami steeled herself.

"Luffy…Can my first time be with you?"

Nami was blushing profusely. She was surprised to see that Luffy's cheeks had turned red as well.

"W-Why me?" Luffy stuttered. "I…Wouldn't you rather have someone else…like Sanji?"

She held onto his hands once more and stared into his eyes. He looked so concerned.

"No. Luffy, I want my first time to be with someone special to me. Someone I really care about and trust."

Luffy looked down. "I don't think I'm special enough for…this. Shanks told me that your first time is supposed to be with someone you love."

What do I say that won't freak him out?

She let out a breath. "I…really care about you, Luffy. You're the only person I wanna do this with."

Luffy looked her in the eyes.

"I care about you to. Are you sure this is what you want?"

She nearly gasped. Was he seriously considering this? Nami nodded, giving him a small smile.

"Yes, I am."

He hesitated.

"I…don't know what to do. No, I mean I do. It's just…it's my first time too."

Nami panicked. "If you don't want your first time to be with me, I totally understand—"

"No, it's not that." Luffy looked like he didn't know how to form the proper words. "You are special to me. I'm happy that my first time will be with you."

He smiled at her, reassuringly. Nami nearly teared up once more, because she could tell he meant it.

If only he knew…

Nami hugged him.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"So uhm, when exactly do you wanna…you know."

Nami pulled away, going crimson.

"Actually, I-I was hoping now."

He stared at her, unblinking.

"No one will be on the Sunny tonight. Tonight's really our only chance," Nami explained.

"Okay," he said quietly.

They both just stared at each other, neither of them saying a word. She did not expect to get this far. What were they supposed to do now.

"I'm…sorry if I'm not good at this," said Luffy.

"As long as I'm with you, that's all that matters."

-

He nodded, wiping his brow. When did it get so hot in here? This was NOT how Luffy expected his night to end. He was supposed to eat meat until his stomach hurt and pass out with his friends. How did this happen?

Luffy tried to control himself. He promised he'd do anything for her and he was going to keep that promise. Even…if it meant doing this. His heart fluttered. It had been doing that ever since he entered Nami's room. Every time she touched his hand or hugged him, Luffy felt all tingly inside. What was that about? He never felt this way with anyone else. He would remember that. It's not like it's because of the hugs. Plenty of girls have hugged him and he never felt anything strange like this. He really should ask someone about that. Maybe Sanji, he knows things.

He watched as Nami got up to lock the door.

"Just in case someone comes back," she paused. "I know you're not good at secret keeping, but please don't tell anyone about tonight."

Why does everyone say he's bad at keeping secrets. He's kept tons of secrets. He's never even told anyone who Ace's dad is.

Luffy nodded. "I won't tell anyone."

Looking nervous, Nami walked back to the bed, where Luffy was sitting. She stood in front of him and began to fiddle with the bottom of her shirt. She looked like she wanted to take it off, but something was stopping her.

Luffy remembered some of the things he's been told about this stuff. Shanks and his crew had giving him some advice when he asked out of curiosity. Ace was always there to answer his questions as well. Sanji's advice was usually good too, but sometimes it bordered on being creepy.

Nami looked so…uncomfortable. Luffy wasn't an expert, but he knew this is not the proper feeling one should having at a time like this. Luckily, Luffy's gut feeling had a knack for being right. He gently grasped her hands and stopping them. She stared at him, questioningly. He stood up from the bed. Wordlessly, he wrapped his arms around her back and brought her into a hug. He could feel Nami gradually relax into his arms. He smiled as she returned the embrace.

Nami was so…warm, so familiar. She smelled just like her tangerines. He nuzzled his head against her neck.

She's so soft.

Luffy was surprised just how much he enjoyed being close to her like this. He had long since ignored the pounding of his heart, opting to focus on Nami. He brought a hand up to the back of her head, and slowly began to stroke her orange hair. He loved the way it felt when her silk like hair ran through his fingers.

-

Nami's heart was going a mile a minute. What had caused him to be so…loving? Being held like this, felt so…natural. She was incredibly nervous a moment ago, but Luffy expelled all of those emotions. She understood the message Luffy was trying to convey in his own way. He was telling her to calm down, to relax. That this wasn't something she should be worried about. This was something that should make her happy.

And she did feel happy. Nami got goosebumps when he began to run his fingers through her hair. She had never been so close to another person before, so vulnerable, so intimate. One thing was certain, Nami loved being close to her captain.

They separated slightly. He always looked directly into her eyes. His hands slowly slid up from her back. Luffy gently placed his hands on either side of her face, cupping her cheeks. It was a wonder that her legs still worked at that moment. His touch was delicate. He gently caressed her right cheek with his thumb, all the while keeping eye contact.

His expression was soft.

"…Luffy?" she whispered.

"Nami…you're so beautiful."

Without hesitation, Luffy leaned in,

and kissed her.

Her eyes were wide but only for a second. She soon found herself melting into the embrace. Nami nearly trembled as he carefully slid one of his hands from her cheek to the back of her head to deepen the kiss.

How did Luffy know exactly what to do? There was so much emotion into the kiss. Neither of them had any experience. But it didn't take an expert to know that this was magical.

-

All of Luffy's worries about kissing melted away the second he found her lips. Up until now, he didn't see the appeal. Sanji always made a big fuss about wanting to kiss their female crew-mates. But he thought that was just because Sanji was silly.

No, there was something special about kissing. It just had to be with the right person. Luffy definitely couldn't see himself kissing anyone else. Why would he want to? But kissing Nami… it felt special.

Her lips were really soft. He enjoyed the feeling. Every so often, their tongues would brush against each other, and it sent shivers down his spine. He hoped that Nami was feeling the same way he was at the moment.

I wonder if I can kiss her more in the future?

That was a stupid thought. Surely, this was a one time thing and that Nami would go back to hitting him, like normal. Was it wrong of him to want this to be their normal?

-

Nami was very aware of just how close her body was pressed against her captains. It got to the point were she couldn't tell if she was feeling her heart beat or his.

This was not how she assumed her night would go. Best case scenario, she thought her captain would either not understand the request or just politely decline. If you had told her a few hours earlier that she would be passionately kissing the man that's always on her mind…well she'd call you an idiot.

Nami was also not prepared for just how much she loved the feel of him. His strong arms wrapped around her, pressing her against his chest. That, and the gentle way he caressed her face and hair.

The orange haired navigator really could get used to this. Even if this was all they did tonight, she would be satisfied. A part of her wondered if Luffy would be open to kissing her like this more often. But that was a stupid thought. He was clearly only doing this for the one time. She shouldn't get selfish.

Yes, her rubber captain had promised her the one night. One special night. So that he could be her first, someone she truly cared about. Nami didn't even care about the noises she was making, or how red her face probably was. Right now, all she cared about was Luffy.

They broke the kiss, the need for air finally overcoming them. Both of them were breathing softly, as Luffy leaned in, touching their foreheads together. How did he know how to be so…intimate?

Nami ran her hands up his stomach, enjoying how his abs felt under her fingers. She trailed them up until they were placed firmly on his chest. Obviously, she knew Luffy was strong. But to be able to feel and see his muscles in a way like this…it made her feel special.

Tentatively, she grabbed the sides of his cardigan and pulled it open, exposing more of his chest. Nami looked into her captains eyes and he nodded. Blushing, she pulled the cardigan off him, discarding it to the bedroom floor. The navigator was then greeted to a fully shirtless Luffy, and she liked the image.

Nami's arms traveled from his chest to his arms, feeling to her heart's content. It was like she was making sure he was real.

Luffy had a full smile on his face, which Nami returned. He leaned in slightly, so that their noses were touching.

"So beautiful," he whispered.

He said it again.

Nami felt like crying. She would've given all the treasure she owned to hear Luffy say those things and look at her the way he was right now.

Not that it was a competition, but Nami felt like she needed to give Luffy a reward of sorts for the way he's been making her feel. Nami pulled the bottom of her shirt up and over her head in one slow and fluid motion. The entire time, Luffy eyed her with a look of amazement and wonder.

He started to lean in, but Nami put a finger on his lips, stopping him. He stared at her, questioningly. She found it strange that she didn't feel nervous at all anymore. Apparently, that was the effect Luffy had on her. Her cheeks flushed, Nami removed her bra and tossed it aside.

Luffy's jaw dropped.

That made her grin. It was save to say she elicited the desired reaction from her captain. He met her eyes, and she nodded.

Luffy stepped forward, cupping one of her breasts in his hand and pulling her into another deep kiss. She smiled into the kiss. Nami was slightly disappointed when he removed his hands from her chest. But that feeling quickly faded as she felt them snake down to below her waist. She gasped as he grabbed onto her behind. After a playful squeeze, Luffy lifted her into the air without warning. Nami immediately wrapped her legs around him as he held her against him. She never felt so light before.

He turned and gently placed her on the bed, making sure to lay her head on one of the pillows.

Nami pulled Luffy to the bed. He now hovered on top of her, propped up by his elbows. They stared at each other, their intimate position seeming to sink in. Nami noticed a small blush on her captains face, she bit her lip.

"Please…try to be gentle," said Nami.

Luffy leaned in and pressed a kiss to her forehead, lingering there for a few extra seconds.

"Always."