Because

She was his nakama. His compass. His friend. His navigator. His lover. He needed her.

He was her nakama. Her savoir. Her friend. Her Captain. Her lover. She needed him just as much.

It was almost like they were made for one another.

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece. In fact, I can't believe I'm going to try and write One Piece fanfiction!

Author's Note: Greetings! There are two reasons why I call this collection of one-shots "Because". One, I'm writing it in the style of my IchiRuki fic "I love" where each chapter is based on a reason why I think the couple works, or the reason of my inspiration. The other reason is because there is at least one instance where Nami punched Luffy and he asked why, and she says "Because I felt like to." Unless I'm mixing up characters, but it was hella funny!

Warning: A lot of my chapters are going to pertain to sex. Not this chapter, but I'll warn you when it does. Cause I'm dirty like that... And I'm not getting it from other stories lol!

This chapter is inspired by the episode where the crew loses their memories. When Luffy remembers his he takes them to try and get Nami back. She doesn't want to go with them and offers the gold she took from the ship. Luffy kept saying no, despite how bad Nami was bargaining with him. And then he said she loves gold and wouldn't give any to him (I can't remember the exact wording) but the look on Nami's face when she says "How did he read my mind?" was priceless. I LOVED THAT SCENE!

Because they're nakama!

(And future lovers!)

BECAUSE HE KNOWS HER

(Or, Testing the Waters with Kisses)

He waited.

He wasn't a very patient person. But for her he waited and he watched her intently. He watched the way her moist eyes watched his dark orbs, his lips, and then back to his eyes staring. It slightly unnerved him, and he wanted to ask her what was wrong, but he knew.

He knew.

And he was too busy observing her. The way her hazel eyes looked clear and glossy and how her skin glowed under the moonlight. She looked more than cool, or amazing. She was pretty yes, but more than that-more than his vocabulary could ever describe. She was precious and glowing and breathing deeply between pink, parted lips.

He waited.

Nami remained silent.

The inky, dark sky was littered with stars, like jewels, and not once did she glance up to its beauty. Not once did her eyes stray to the rolling waves. Not once was Nami distracted by the chilly breeze nipping at her skin.

He waited. And silently he watched her-felt her- place her lips on his. Briefly, slowly, chastely.

Nami pulled away, her glassy eyes wide, lips remaining parted, her attention on him.

Waiting.

Waiting ten breaths.

It took him ten breaths to move forward and return the kiss as slowly, chastely, but unhurriedly.

His coal-black eyes watched her. Her silence was drowned by the sound of her lips on his again, this time kissing more deeply. But again shortly.

This time she pulled away hesitantly.

Luffy frowned at her. Yet, he didn't say anything.

This was all too new.

She swallowed hard as a gust of wind interrupted her hair. Darkened orange strands danced around her face, and he watched the dance in some kind of awe, reaching out to hold her head, her hair, in place.

Then he took his turn and he kissed her again. The same way she kissed him, but longer, not shortly. Longer because her hands found his. Longer because she returned the kiss with fervour and hunger. Longer because she trusted and loved him with all of her heart.

Then that sound slipped from her lips-a moan-and his hands tightened on her, his fingers slipping through her hair like a comb before settling to the back of her head.

Luffy waited because he knew her. She thought about things. She didn't think as freely with her heart like he did. She was logical. Not like him, who ran forwards by instinct.

Though his instincts had wanted to steal a kiss from her first, he knew to wait for her so she could sort out whatever she thought about their affair-him, her heart, their feelings.

Frankly, Luffy didn't really think about it. But he knew she did. Indeed, she did.

"Nami," he whispered. His breath fanned her lips as his forehead rested against hers. "I love you. A lot."

Her lips immediately curved towards the heavens, her smile almost wide as his. "I love you too."

He sealed the moment with another kiss, and although she was logical, he could taste on her lips that her heart had strong feelings, just like him.

Eventually the pair broke apart for several reasons: air; the time; and the weather. Luffy watched as she studied the sky even though it was almost black.

"I thought it was going to rain for a second, but it's not."

Luffy smiled at her and stole yet another kiss.

"Tomorrow we'll reach the other island."

He held her shoulders, his mouth over hers.

"So we'll need our rest."

One more deep kiss.

"Luffy..." She was almost breathless now but she managed to free herself. If it was brighter outside, he would have noticed her face to be pinker than usual. "Goodnight."

Reluctantly, he bid her goodnight. Before she disappeared inside her room, she promised him that they had the rest of their lives to learn and explore what loving each other really meant.

Luffy knew to trust her; Nami was right about almost everything.

About them, he was sure.

XX

Reviews are very much appreciated! Thank you for reading!