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[cptn-shinigami.livejournal.com]

Title: Those sleepless nights
Rating: G
Word Count: 408
Topic: Off Topic and over the word count D:
Pairing: Sanji/Ace
Warning: 501 spoilers.
A/N: A continuation of 1.)Absence makes the heart grow fonder... and 2.)Never say never


He's been sleeping by the aquarium for the past few nights and Nami can't seem to pry it out of the cook why he does. She suspects that the light filtering through the water creates a soothing atmosphere to the blonde.

She's watched him during the day, flitting about, pent up frustration and energy coiled so tightly she wouldn't be surprised to see all that was left of the man was a tattered shirt and a pair of shoes in the galley after a rather spectacular explosion.

The cobalt, sapphire and azure paint Sanji's sleeping form as blue as the ocean he's seeking, and that, Nami realises is why her most attentive nakama has been sleeping here since that enigmatic conversation with the captain several days ago. He is constantly tense and worried. Lines were starting to crease his brow and age him in such a way that she was beginning to think he was coming undone at the seams.

He stirred, she slips behind the mast and peers around as he surges upright, panting heavily, eyes bloodshot and pupils dilated.

"No, no, no..."

Shaking hands fist in his hair as he turns and presses his forehead to the cool glass and stares into the water that until now had been keeping whatever haunted him at bay. She wants to go forwards but she's frozen in place.

"Ace."

He breathes that name like a prayer and suddenly it all clicks into place. Suddenly she feels ashamed that she hadn't noticed before. She'd always thought him so shallow, flirting and praising, too immature to be capable of anything more than infatuation.

But here he was, heart near breaking point for the love of another whom he could not reach, though he was desperate to be there.

And, as suddenly as shame had overcome her, now loss did. She realised she would never have this mans love, and it shocked her to realise that though he had fawned as usual he had no longer offered her his heart. Compliments certainly, but he no longer said 'my love' when talking to her, or 'owner of my heart'. No, now she understood. Ace owned his devotion; his undying loyalty and love.

She wasn't jealous.

In a strange way she felt proud. Not of her lack of jealousy, but of Sanji, as a whole. Nami stepped out from behind the mast.

"Sanji-kun? May I have a drink?"

The distraction is the least she can do for him in his time of need.

For Nakama.

Comments

[mr-redrum.livejournal.com]

...He breathes that name like a prayer... that was angsty sweet...this fic is getting better and better. I like nami's realisation about sanji's true love and her nakamaship in here...write the continuation,please...thank you!...