There is always a certain grace that follows her every move. It's uncanny how poised and meticulous her actions seem.

You've always admired Nami for her strong personality and will, but you'd be lying if you said you didn't think she was beautiful.

The way the sun bounces off her glowing hair, her coy smile, her mesmerizing eyes. You could go on forever but you fear you're starting to sound like Sanji.

She seems so put together.

So very much unlike you.

Whereas she can speak eloquently and move with unmatched grace, you're the opposite. You stumble over your words and stumble while walking across the ship deck.

The number of times you've felt your skin prickle with embarrassment as you fumble in front of her is unparalleled.

Just the other day, you tripped on one of Zoro's weights and face planted. You got up immediately, waving away concerns with a chuckle as Luffy pointed and laughed along with you.

Until you noticed Nami smiling along. Her smile froze you in your tracks. That's when you got nervous.

No one wants to look like a fool in front of their hidden crush.

Thinking about it makes you groan. You're currently slumped in the kitchen, stirring a cup of tea that's lost it's heat ages ago. Sanji is working away cooking supper for everyone, humming a soft tune.

You wish you could be more open like he is.

Sanji never shuts up about how gorgeous and perfect Nami is, but you can never bring yourself to match that energy.

Of course, you're never left out of his compliments. He never plays favourites. You love him for that but, even so, it is hard watching him swoon over Nami.

You're afraid that she'll realize you could never give her as much as Sanji can.

After all, you can't cook very well and you don't wait on her hand and foot. And, you're not wealthy, so you can't buy her nice things.

Another sigh escapes your lips as you stare at the table in front of you. A new mug of steaming tea lands by your hand.

"Are you okay?" Sanji asks, his voice soft, "You've been staring at nothing for over an hour."

"It's... it's nothing. Just tired," you say, sitting up straighter to take the hot mug in your hands.

"Really?" He says, voice full of disbelief.

You nod, knowing your words would betray you.

He frowns slightly, resting his hands on his hips. You feel bad that he's concerned about you, but no one on this ship knows about your feelings. And you're not about to tell anyone.

Sanji turns around, towelling down a freshly washes pot, "It's about Nami, isn't it?"

Your jaw drops at that question, eyes wide.

"How'd you know?!"

"Ah, so it is," he chuckles.

A frown plants itself on your face.

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone," he reassures you. "It's just, I want to help you."

"Help?" You're confused, "Don't you like her too? Doesn't that make us love rivals?"

He glances over his shoulder, "Don't be silly, I love you both but not that way. Besides, I have my eye on someone else."

His confession throws you off.

All this time you thought he'd be mad about your crush on Nami and now he's saying he isn't even interested?

"Really?"

He hums a yes.

You take a moment to soak in this new information. Sanji has way more experience in romantic things than you do, so advice from him might be useful.

"So, what should I do?"

"Everyone expresses and shows love in their own way. I can't tell you what to do."

As if sensing your disappointment, he continues, "But I can tell you that you should go for it."

"What if she hates me?"

"She could never hate you," he shakes his head, "If anything, she'd respect you for saying something."

"You think so?"

He smiles, "I really do."

You return his smile. Surprisingly, his advice was solid.

Not what you had expected.

You had been expecting a lecture on how to do everything for her and shower her in gifts/affection.

This advice is something you can work with. A bit of a confidence booster to lift your morale.

Now you just have to act.

~

If you weren't so clumsy, this would be much simpler.

You started the day by getting Nami her coffee while she gauged the weather and heading of the ship.

It would've been perfect, if you hadn't stumbled on the stairs leading up to her.

So, instead of a lovely cup of coffee, she got a spectacle of you collapse in a puddle of said coffee at her feet.

"Are you okay?" She asked, staring down at you in concern.

"G-good morning Nami," you bypassed her question. You started to gather the pieces of the broken mug, "I wanted to get you coffee, but, uh, I dropped it."

She smiled gently, "I can see that. Do you need help?"

"Nope! Nope I got it. Bye!"

Obviously that hadn't gone in your favour.

Fast forward a bit, and you're fishing with Usopp and Luffy. On a day when you don't have much else to do, you often try your hand at fishing. Sometimes you luck out and catch something.

This time, your hook snagged on an old treasure chest. A small one, but exciting nonetheless.

You clutched it close to your chest so that Luffy and Usopp wouldn't steal it and crack it open themselves. You called for Nami to see and she ran to your side as soon as she heard 'treasure chest'.

"Look what I got, Nami!"

Beaming with pride, you broke the rusted lock and flung it open to reveal a small handful of berry and a pair of angry crabs.

Your nose scrunched in disappointment as Luffy cheered, "Sanji! Cook these!"

Your captain grabbed the animals and raced to the kitchen, Usopp close behind him.

Casting a glance at Nami, your dour mood lifted a bit seeing her laugh as she sorted through the berry.

"Sorry, Nami. I was hoping there'd be more than some angry old crabs," you sighed.

"Y/n, don't be so hard on yourself! Maybe next time you'll be luckier," she grinned as she dumped the seven berry into your hand.

"Oh, you can keep those," you shook your head.

She tilted her head to the side, "Really?"

"Yeah, I want you to have them," you smiled, "You deserve them for all the work you do."

Nami looked away after accepting the coins back into her hand. You might have been mistaken, but you could've sworn you saw a tinge of pink dusting her cheeks.

"Thank you, Y/n."

And now you're here, in the kitchen once again. The blond cook isn't here, surprisingly. You're okay with being alone right now though.

A soft knock makes you lift your head off the table, "Yeah?"

Nami is standing there, in a gorgeous blue bikini with her ginger hair down on her shoulders. You can't help but smile at her.

"Hey, Nami!"

"Y/n, come suntan with me," she says, grabbing your arm to drag you out of the kitchen.

"Sure," you grin.

You often suntan with Nami when you're in need of rest or some down time. Being underneath the hot sun and next to the hot navigator is always a good time.

"Just let me get my swimsuit on!" You race to your room and get changed before finding Nami outside.

She's lying on her back, looking peaceful and elegant as ever. She looks up and smiles at you as you approach.

"Y/n! Sanji is making us some drinks," she grins conspiratorially, "It didn't take much to convince him to bring us snacks too."

"Sweet," you settle down on the lounge chair beside her. "Sorry again about the coffee."

"It's alright, Y/n. It's the thought that counts, right?"

You nod, heart swelling with affection.

Just then, Sanji appears carrying a tray of goodies. He passes your drink to you with a flourish and does the same for Nami.

"Nami-swannn," he singsongs, "Don't you think Y/n-chan is looking absolutely divine today?"

You flush with embarrassment. What is he up to?

To your surprise, Nami replies back, "Y/n always looks divine, Sanji."

You feel like your jaw has dropped straight to the floor. "Do I?"

She levels her gaze at you and beams a smile, "Of course!"

"You always look wonderful too, Nami!" You manage to speak over your giddiness. You cannot believe that Nami thinks you're pretty! "Your hair looks like sunbeams right now."

"You're sweet," her smile is short-circuiting your brain right now.

You didn't even realize that Sanji made himself scarce.

"You know," she adds. "I was happy you thought of me this morning. And when you found that treasure chest."

Your heart is hammering in your chest like a frantic tap dancer.

She notices your silence and turns to fully face you. Slowly, she reaches out a hand and entwines her fingers with yours.

Your heart skips a beat before you give her hand a slight squeeze.

Is this really happening?

"I like you Nami," you blurt out, not at all eloquently.

She smirks, "I like you too, silly. You know you don't have to buy my love, right? I don't like you cause you have money, or you do things for me. I like you because you're you. Kind, caring, badass."

Tears form, prickling your eyes as she speaks such kind words. She tightens her grip on your hand, "Be my girlfriend?"

You nod, unable to contain your happiness as you sniffle, "Yes!"

She leans over and places her soft lips on yours. You move your lips against hers, not caring who sees. You're lost in the moment of the first kiss of your relationship.

The first kiss of many.