Taken for Granted

By: Liete

Disclaimer: The fantastic Eiichiro Oda owns these characters, not me.

"I thought you might like something to drink, Nami-san!" Sanji twirled his way into the room where the navigator was continuing her dream of mapping the entire world with the latest patch of the Grand Line they had just passed through. In his hand was one of the drinks he had made especially for her, and he presented it to her on one knee and contemplated adding another declaration of how wonderful she was, but refrained since she was working.

"Oh, thank you, Sanji-kun," she said, taking the drink without looking up.

He stood up and lingered, holding onto the hope that maybe she'd let him stay and they could talk. Or maybe just enjoy each other's company. Or, hell, he could wait on her hand and foot, just so long as she let him stay near her. The pen in her hand flew over the paper as she worked on one of her many maps and he admired her work while he had the chance.

"I have work to do, so I'd prefer to be alone," she said, but still didn't look up.

"Of course, Nami-san! But please, call me if you need anything and I'll be here in a second." Feeling thoroughly disappointed, he slowly made his way out the door, but didn't make it far when she finally glanced up.

"Sanji-kun?"

He turned back with new hope rising in his chest. Maybe, just maybe.

"Yes, Nami-san?"

"Can you leave the door open? There's a nice breeze today."

Had it been anyone else that open door might have been an invitation, but not with Nami. No, she really did just want to enjoy the breeze.

"My pleasure, Nami-san!" He left the door wide open, Nami in plain view as he made his way to the front of the ship to be ready to help her if she needed it. While he wasn't looking, Luffy must have taken the open door as a sign that he could go and bother Nami, because Nami's annoyed voice reached Sanji's ears.

He snapped to attention instantly, ready to go and (literally) kick the rubber boy out of the room, but stopped short when he saw Nami's face. She was scolding Luffy, yes, but there was a ghost of a smile on her face and amusement in her eyes. Whatever they were saying was drowned out, and all Sanji could see was the growing mirth in her expression. The corner of her lips twitched with the effort to suppress the smile there.

She did eventually push him out the door, and smacked him when he must have whined. With a defeated look, Luffy left to bother Zoro, or scheme with Usopp and Chopper, or ask Robin a string of questions that he didn't even understand the answers to. Sanji's heart sunk when the smile that Nami had been holding back appeared brightly on her face when the rubber boy had his back turned.

The only smiles he had ever gotten from her were the patronizing of someone who knew she was getting something good, but wanted nothing more. Nothing like the genuine smile she was giving to Luffy's retreating back, that was a sign of affection towards someone who truly made her happy.

He couldn't resent Luffy, not when he himself had been won over by their wacky captain's charms, but the fact that he couldn't make Nami smile like that and Luffy could was unbearable. He scowled against his better judgment and glared at the straw hat.

"Sanji-kun?" She noticed him, and motioned for him to come down from his perch.

"Coming, Nami-san!" He yelled and jumped over the railing. Whatever she asked, he would deliver for her without hesitation. He would continue to hope that maybe, just maybe she would ask him to stay.