Synopsis: Me when I yearn. Me and I yearn but have a healthy relationship with my friends and knows not to be jealous but still allow myself to feel things
⟡𓌉◯𓇋₊˚⊹♡ You were sprawled out on a sun chair, kicking your legs back and forth and humming a random tune to yourself, still feeling giddy from the delicious meal Sanji had served earlier. Your hair fluttered in the wind, and your bright eyes scanned the open sea until
Sanji came flying across the deck like a torpedo, arms flailing for balance as he skidded to a halt in front of you. His shirt was untucked, cigarette barely hanging on his lip, and a wild, borderline panicked look in his eyes. You blinked. “…You okay there, Romeo?”
Sanji bent over, hands on his knees, catching his breath. “I I need your help.”
Your brows lifted with curiosity and amusement. “What, did Luffy eat the last cookie again and you’re plotting revenge?”
You sat up straighter, suppressing a grin. “Okay, okay. What is it?”
Sanji straightened, brushed back his hair dramatically, and looked at you with those swirly, golden eyes as if he were about to confess some great truth.
“I need you to tell me… how to pull a woman.”
Then burst into laughter. “I’m sorry what?”
Sanji flushed, his hands flying up. “I know! I know it sounds ridiculous coming from me, but I swear I’m being serious. Dead serious.”
You giggled, slapping a hand over your mouth. “Sanji, my darling, you throw yourself at women like it’s a sport. If flirting were a martial art, you’d be a black belt.”
“That’s exactly the problem!” Sanji groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “It doesn’t work. I mean, not really. They just giggle or wave me off like I’m some harmless breeze. None of them take me seriously. And I I want to be taken seriously. Just once.”
You quieted at that, your expression softening. “Oh, Sanji…”
He sighed, leaning back against the rail, his face turned to the sea. “There’s this girl. Not someone on this ship,” he added quickly, glancing at you. “She’s kind and funny and strong. But when I talk to her, I get so nervous I just default to… you know.”
“the pathetic lover boy routine not enough for you?” you said innocently, batting your lashes.
Sanji shot you a look, lips twitching despite himself. “Yes, that.”
You hopped off the chair and padded toward him, poking his chest lightly. “Okay, lover boy. Let’s get one thing straight: You’re not failing because you flirt. You’re failing because you flirt like a cartoon heart attack. There’s nothing authentic about it..”
He blinked at you. “…Huh?”
You grinned. “There's nothing I'm complaining about, though. I think it's really cute. The best kind of complement is the one that sounds like you didn’t rehearse it a hundred times in the mirror.”
Sanji looked thoughtful. “But what if I mess up? Say something stupid?”
You rolled your eyes fondly. “Sanji, you do say something stupid every single time you meet a woman and they still smile at you. Imagine what would happen if you were just… you. The sweet, reliable, passionate, incredible cook who makes the best damn meals on the sea and puts his heart into everything he does.” Sanji’s ears turned pink. You leaned in, voice teasing. “That Sanji? That guy’s dreamy.”
He sputtered, waving smoke away from his cigarette. “S Stop saying things like that. I’m trying to focus!”
You giggled, twirling a lock of your hair. “Fine, fine. You want real advice?”
“Okay.” You folded your arms and nodded. “Step one: Calm down. You don’t need to win someone’s heart in ten seconds. Stop making it a performance and start making it a conversation.”
He nodded slowly. “Okay…”
“Step two: Ask her questions. Not just compliments. Be curious about who she is, not just how she looks.”
“And step three,” you said, tapping his forehead, “don’t chase. Just be. If she likes you, she’ll come closer. And if she doesn’t… you don’t need to change who you are to impress her.”
Sanji looked down at you genuinely, for a moment no exaggerated grin, no dramatic swoon. “You really think that’ll work?”
You smiled warmly. “I know it will. You’ve already got everything you need. You just need to believe someone could fall for you”
He stared at you in silence for a moment. “You’d make a hell of a love doctor, [Y/N].”
“I take payment in dessert,” you winked.
Sanji chuckled softly, then took a final drag of his cigarette and tossed it overboard. “Right away madamoiselle”
You shrugged playfully. “Good boy now go do your thing” As he turned to head back to the kitchen, you called after him, “Sanji?” He glanced back, his usual grin starting to sneak back into place. You smiled. “The right girl? She’ll see you. Just give her the chance.”
He gave you a mock salute. “Then I’ll make sure I’m someone worth seeing.” with that, he vanished into the galley.
⟡𓌉◯𓇋₊˚⊹♡The world was quiet tonight. The sea whispered gently against the hull of the Thousand Sunny, and the breeze that swept through the ship’s open deck was crisp, carrying the smell of salt and the faintest trace of spices from the galley below. The crew had all gone off to their own little corners of the ship some reading, some napping, and others chattering softly out of earshot.
You lay in the middle of the main deck, arms stretched out to your sides, eyes wide open to the tapestry of stars overhead. The wind moved through your hair, playing with strands like it was trying to keep you company. But the real comfort came from just a few feet away Brook sat atop a crate, bathed in the soft, swaying light of the lanterns above, his long bony fingers gliding across the strings of his violin.
It wasn’t his usual upbeat, silly melody the ones he played to make Chopper dance or to accompany some skull joke. No, this was something else. Something soft. Thoughtful. The kind of song that didn’t need lyrics to speak. It trickled into your chest like warm tea in cold hands. It held something gentle and aching in every note. You stared at the stars, your lashes still and unmoving. Your chest rose and fell in time with the music. And somewhere between the quiet and the chords, your mind drifted to him.
You let the name echo in your thoughts. You didn’t try to chase it away. You smiled faintly. He had fallen for someone. You didn’t know her. You didn’t need to. You could tell by the way he spoke, by the way he looked different lately. Softer, more grounded. Less dramatic for show, and more… sincere. Like there was someone he genuinely wanted to be better for. And gods, it was so like him. That hopeless romantic heart of his. That constant need to give everything to someone who made his heart flutter.
And you? You had always laughed with him. Teased him when he did his little twirls or dropped to one knee in front of any woman in a ten mile radius. You’d rolled your eyes, called him ridiculous, joked that his flirtations were more extra than Zoro’s vendetta against stairs.
But you’d never said the truth. Not once. That sometimes, when he smiled at you not as a flirt, but just you your heart would skip. That there were moments when you thought maybe… maybe you were the one he’d fall for if he ever took a real chance. But he hadn’t. he was chasing someone else. Someone who made him nervous. You let out a soft breath, eyes still on the stars, a weight pressing gently against your ribs.
It wasn’t a jealous hurt. You were happy for him. Truly. It was just the kind of ache that came from wondering what if. Brook’s melody shifted slightly higher, like a question being asked in the dark. As if he knew.
You didn’t move. You didn’t cry. You just felt. Because it was okay to feel it. To mourn something that was never yours. To lie under the stars and let the music carry the weight of your silence.
you thought of him. Of the way his voice softened when he wasn’t being loud. Of how he always made your plate first when he knew you were having a bad day. Of how, sometimes, you imagined what it would be like if those small gestures were something more. Your fingers curled slightly against the wood. Another breeze passed over you, lifting your hair gently, and you blinked slowly, your gaze still locked on the sky.
The music swelled one last time before fading into the hush of the ocean, Just one song. One quiet night. One unspoken heartache. And then the world was still again. You lay there, unmoving, letting the silence settle. though the ache was still there, something inside you softened too like maybe, even if the story you wanted wasn’t yours, the chapter was still worth feeling.
“Did you know,” Brook began, his voice soft in the night air, “that the stars you see are sometimes already dead?”
You blinked slowly, then smiled, lips barely curving. “That’s… kind of depressing, Brook.”
“Yohoho, perhaps,” he chuckled lightly, “but it’s also strangely beautiful, don’t you think? That something can shine even after it’s gone.”
You hummed thoughtfully. “Yeah. I guess I like that.”
There was a beat of silence, “Do you think Luffy’s ever tried to eat a star?”
You snorted. “Absolutely. ”
Brook let out a full laugh, his ribs gently rattling with the motion. “I should write that down for a new lyric. ‘I reached for a star and bit down on a dream delicious!’”
You groaned, laughing despite yourself. “That is so cheesy.”
Another comfortable pause settled between you. You listened to the creak of the ship, the soft splash of water against the hull, and the distant thrum of something in the engine room probably Franky still working on some little project with his usual midnight energy.
Brook tilted his skull back. “Do you think fish sleep?”
“I think they have to. Maybe with one eye open. Like Zoro.”
Brook nodded solemnly. “Scary.”
You giggled and rolled over onto your stomach, resting your chin on your forearms. “What about skeletons? Do they sleep?”
Brook tapped his chin. “Hmm… difficult to say. I don’t have eyelids, so I’ve never actually seen myself do it.”
“That sounds exhausting.”
“Not as exhausting as trying to take a bath when you don’t have skin.”
“And on the subject of things I can’t do… may I see your panties?”
You stopped. Deadpan. Emotionless. You slowly pushed yourself up from the deck, brushing some hair from your face as you gave him the flattest look in the history of facial expressions.
Brook clasped his hands politely. “it would be such a lovely gesture.”
You pointed toward the hallway with a single, resigned finger. “You’re done.”
“You’re done,” you repeated, standing up and brushing off your clothes. “That’s it. Conversation’s over. Pack it up, skeleton.”
“Wait, my dear! I merely !”
You walked off toward the girls’ quarters without another word, your hand raised in a lazy wave behind you.
He sighed behind you. “Ah, the pain of rejection. It cuts deeper than the Grand Line’s fog!”
You kept walking, hiding your smile. from behind you, drifting in the sea kissed night, came a final, cheerful:
“Sweet dreams! Yohohohoho!”
You shook your head as the door closed behind you, smiling to yourself. Even heartbreak couldn’t compete with this crew’s ridiculousness.
The soft creak of the ship accompanied your entrance as you returned to the girls’ quarters, your steps light but tired from the long, quiet moment you’d had with Brook on the deck. You rubbed your arms absentmindedly as you passed the threshold, the warm lamplight casting a cozy glow across the room.
Nami was sprawled comfortably on the couch with a drink in hand, her legs tucked under her, a mischievous glint already dancing in her eyes. Robin sat nearby in an armchair, book in hand, but she looked up as you entered.
“There she is,” Nami announced, smirking knowingly as she took another sip. “Have fun with our resident skeleton?”
You plopped down beside her with a hum, grabbing a pillow to hug against your chest. “It was nice. He played something soft. Kinda hit me in the heart a little.”
Robin’s smile deepened slightly. “Brook’s music often does.”
Nami raised a brow. “I have a love hate relationship with that man”
“Well…I couldnt blame you” You grinned. “It got weird eventually. I left before he could ask about my underwear.”
“EW LETS BURN HIM” Nami choked, laughing.
“shhhhh bed time now,” you confirmed, deadpan.
Nami snorted, shaking her head before she shifted back to her earlier topic with Robin, eyes alight with playful mischief. “I’m just saying,” she said, raising her glass again, “whoever this woman is… poor, poor soul. She has no idea what she’s walking into.”
You wheezed, pressing the pillow to your face. “Nami!”
“I mean it!” she cackled. “Can you imagine Sanji not spinning around like a lovesick ballerina the second she smiles at him? He’d probably burst into a heart shaped firework just from holding her hand.”
Robin chuckled behind her book, one elegant brow lifting. “He does tend to be… passionate.”
“Oh my God,” you laughed, eyes watering,
“Don’t forget the nosebleed,” Nami added, clinking her glass in the air.
The room burst into another round of giggles, warm and breathless, echoing softly around the cabin. It felt like home. But then your smile softened. You clutched the pillow a little tighter and leaned back against the cushions, your laughter quieting as your thoughts drifted slightly. “…I think it’s kind of cute, though,” you murmured.
Nami blinked and looked over. “What, that he’s basically a walking romance novel?”
You shook your head, smiling more to yourself than to them. “No. That he’s finally trying to take something seriously.”
Robin gently set her book down, her eyes curious and warm. Nami tilted her head, her teasing expression melting into one of genuine interest. You took a breath and let your voice settle. “I mean, sure, Sanji flirts like he’s getting paid for it. But this time? It’s different. He actually cares. You can see it in how he talks, how he moves. Like… he wants to be better. Not just charming genuine. That’s kind of huge for him.”
Nami leaned her elbow against the armrest, watching you closely. Her smirk faded into something quieter.
“He asked me for advice,” you added, fingers fiddling with the edge of the pillow. “that's so lame and cute”
Robin offered a soft, thoughtful smile. “It sounds like he’s growing.”
You nodded. “Yeah. And I know we all tease him believe me, I’ll never stop but part of me is proud of him, you know? He’s not trying to win over a dozen hearts. Just one.”
There was a quiet moment. The kind that wrapped around you like a soft blanket. Even the waves outside seemed to hush themselves. Nami exhaled loudly and flopped back. “Ugh. I hate that you made that sound sweet.”
You burst out laughing, sinking deeper into the cushions. “Because it is! He’s ridiculous, but he’s sincere when it counts.”
Nami pointed at you with a lazy glare. “If this ends with him writing sonnets and reciting them at dinner, I will throw myself overboard.”
“Good,” you grinned, “I’ll write your eulogy.”
Robin’s smile turned amused again. “Maybe the sea really will turn to wine next.”
You stretched out with a yawn, heart just a little lighter than before. “Or maybe our little chef’s finally found someone worth changing for.”
The room quieted again, the gentle rhythm of the ship rocking beneath you. Somewhere in the galley, a chair scraped faintly, a sign that Sanji was still awake, maybe cleaning, maybe daydreaming.
The kitchen was clean. Spotless, even. Every dish dried and put away, the counters gleaming, the scent of lemon and herbs still lingering faintly in the air.
Sanji stood alone at the center island, one hand gripping the edge of the counter, the other loosely holding a bottle of wine he hadn’t poured yet. The glass in front of him remained empty, catching the golden glow from the overhead lanterns.
His jacket was off, sleeves rolled up, collar a little undone. His tie hung around his neck, loose and forgotten. His hair fell in front of his eyes in soft curls as he hunched over the counter and let out a long, slow breath.
“…Idiot,” he muttered, running a hand over his face. “Stupid, stupid idiot.”
The cork creaked as he pulled it out of the wine bottle, then set it aside. He didn’t pour it yet just stared at the glass like it had personally offended him.
“Of course you asked her for advice,” he mumbled sarcastically, voice full of self mockery. “Genius move, really. Go ask the woman you’re in love with how to win someone else over. Brilliant. Next level romance tactics.”
He sighed, dropping into one of the stools, elbows on the counter, bottle still in hand.
“She probably thinks I’m pathetic. No worse. She probably pities me.” He leaned his head forward until it thudded lightly against the counter. “And then she said I was cute.”
His face flushed immediately.
His voice dropped to a quieter murmur, warm with memory. “She said I was cute just the way I am.”
He let the thought hang in the silence, echoing a little louder in the privacy of the kitchen than it had in the moment it happened. His chest tightened, and he swallowed hard.
She’d said it so casually, like it was the most natural thing in the world. Like it was obvious.
Sanji rubbed the back of his neck, fingers twitching. “So what do you do, huh?” he asked no one. “You take that… softness, that little bit of warmth, and you turn around and act like your heart belongs to someone else? You let her believe that?”
He sat back up and finally poured the wine. The liquid splashed neatly into the glass, dark and rich. He stared at it, jaw tight.
“She probably thinks I’m in love with this new pretend woman. And I let her think that.”
He took a sip. He winced.
The word came out smaller this time. Not angry. Just… tired. He swirled the glass slowly, watching the way the wine clung to the sides. What was he even doing?
It wasn’t that he meant to lie. He just… panicked. He didn’t know how to say, “Hey, it’s you. It’s been you.” Not without ruining everything. Not without seeing her look at him with pity or worse, discomfort.
So instead, he twisted the truth into something safe. Something that would let her stay close, even if it meant she’d never know the real reason his heart pounded every time she smiled. And now here he was. With wine. And a thousand regrets. Sanji leaned back in his stool and stared at the ceiling.
“…That Sanji? That guy’s dreamy..”
He smiled faintly. Just for a second.
Then he took another drink and muttered again, quietly: “Yeah. Still an idiot.”
⟡𓌉◯𓇋₊˚⊹♡The sun rose bright and golden, casting warm beams across the deck of the Thousand Sunny. The sea was calm today blue skies, soft waves, and the smell of salt on the breeze. It was the kind of morning that promised a good day, or at the very least, a good breakfast.
You stepped out from the girls’ quarters with a sleepy yawn, your hair a little messy and your shirt slightly rumpled from tossing in bed. The moment your feet touched the deck, you felt it a strong pair of hands grabbed yours and spun you into the air.
“FOOOOOOD!!” Luffy shouted, laughing with wild energy.
“Luffy!” you squealed, dizzy but giggling as he twirled you around in a circle like a child with a new toy.
“I can smell it! Sanji’s cooking something amazing!” he cried, holding your hands as he danced with you in a crooked circle. “It’s meat day, I know it!”
You laughed breathlessly as he practically bounced on his heels, his enthusiasm contagious. “You say that every day!”
“Yeah, because I want it every day!” Luffy grinned, his wide, carefree smile beaming down at you. “Sanji’s meat is the best meat ever!”
“Phrasing, Luffy,” Nami said dryly from behind, stepping up onto the deck with a stretch and a mug of coffee.
Robin followed her, calm as ever, a book already tucked under one arm. “Morning,” she greeted softly.
“Morning!” you chirped, finally freed from Luffy’s grasp and straightening your shirt with a grin. “Someone’s fired up today.”
“Sanji’s breakfast are always special,” Luffy said seriously, his head already swiveling toward the galley. “He’s gonna make the eggs all fancy again, I can feel it in my soul.”
“You don’t have a soul,” Zoro muttered from where he was leaning against the railing, clearly only half awake.
“YOU don’t have a soul!” Luffy snapped back without hesitation.
You laughed as Chopper popped up beside you, sniffing the air excitedly. “Is that cinnamon? I think he’s making pancakes too!”
“Cinnamon and meat?!” Luffy gasped, dramatically grabbing you again by the shoulders and shaking you gently. “WE’RE GOING TO HAVE THE BEST FOOD EVER!”
You snorted. “Luffy, please. I haven’t even had water yet.”
From inside the galley, the sound of pots clanging and something sizzling filled the air, along with the unmistakable scent of breakfast being prepared with far too much care for people who would inhale it in under ten minutes. Sanji’s silhouette passed by the window briefly, towel over his shoulder, cigarette hanging from his mouth, sleeves already rolled up. He was in his element.
“C’mon, let’s set the table!” Chopper called, already hurrying to grab the cutlery.
Luffy started dragging you with him, eyes sparkling. “Come on come on come on come ooooon!”
You stumbled along after him with a laugh, glancing once toward the galley door as you passed. You caught the faintest glimpse of Sanji inside, wiping his hands and adjusting a tray of fruit focused, meticulous, and humming under his breath. He didn’t look up. Still, the sight made your chest warm for a second.
“FOOD!” Luffy yelled again.
And just like that, your feet left the deck once more as the world spun in circles and laughter echoed in the salt sweet air.
The dining table was already packed with plates steaming stacks of cinnamon pancakes, golden and fluffy, with fresh berries glistening like jewels. Plates of sliced fruit and scrambled eggs surrounded platters of sizzling meat, toast with butter that melted on contact, and glasses of fresh juice so vibrant they looked like sunlight in a cup. Everyone was in their place, Luffy practically vibrating with excitement as he bounced in his seat, holding himself back with visible restraint. Chopper was wide eyed, murmuring a small, “Wow,” under his breath. Brook had already begun singing softly to himself in the background, adding a calm rhythm to the buzz of morning chatter.
He emerged from the galley with the final tray a dish of roasted vegetables and sweet sausages, perfectly arranged. His sleeves were still rolled up, his apron dusted lightly with flour, and his hair slightly tousled from the heat of the kitchen.
“Ladies,” he announced with a low, charming bow, “your breakfast has arrived.”
He moved first to Nami, as always, placing her plate in front of her with graceful precision. “For you, my lovely Nami swan, with extra honey on your pancakes just the way you like.”
She smirked behind her mug of coffee. “Charming as always, Sanji.”
“And for you, divine Robin chwan,” he said next, setting her dish down with a delicate touch. “Light seasoning, a side of papaya, and just a pinch of powdered sugar.”
Robin gave him a small, pleased smile. “Thank you. You’re quite attentive.”
And then he turned to you.
You were mid sip of juice when he knelt beside you instead of merely leaning over. The tray he carried was smaller, more focused. A beautiful arrangement of all your favorites crispy hash browns, folded omelet with cheese and herbs, pancakes with caramel drizzle and sliced bananas, and a perfectly cut piece of grilled sausage shaped like a little heart.
“Mon trésor,” he said softly, offering the tray like it was a gift more than a plate. “Everything you love. And I made the syrup myself.”
Your breath caught slightly, caught off guard by the subtle, extra sparkle in his eyes. He looked… softer, not just playful. Like this breakfast wasn’t just breakfast. Like he’d memorized your taste for reasons he hadn’t admitted yet.
You blinked, then gave him a slow, teasing smile. “You didn’t carve a heart sausage for the others, did you?”
“No,” he replied smoothly. “Only for the one who deserves it.”
You felt Nami’s stare from the other side of the table and heard Luffy inhale sharply next to you like he’d just discovered something juicy.
“Sanji…” you said, eyes narrowing playfully, “what are you up to?”
“Nothing at all,” he lied, setting the plate down with a flourish. “Only offering the best to the woman who brightens this ship more than the sunrise.”
Robin chuckled quietly. Nami straight up snorted into her coffee.
You stared at him, suspicious and amused. “Is this still about mystery lady you like?”
Sanji didn’t answer right away. His smile twitched just slightly, eyes flickering across your face like he wanted to say something more but instead, he straightened with that classic, smooth grin.
“Only a fool wouldn’t treat someone as radiant as you like royalty,” he said simply, giving a little bow before turning away to serve the others. You glanced down at the heart shaped sausage. Something fluttered in your chest.
⟡𓌉◯𓇋₊˚⊹♡You were mid bite into your syrup drenched pancakes when Nami slapped your shoulder with the back of her hand.
“OW !” you yelped, nearly dropping your fork. “What?!”
“Did you see that?!” she hissed, leaning in, her eyes wide with scandalized amusement.
“Mf what ?” you mumbled through a mouthful of food, blinking.
Nami grabbed a napkin and pretended to casually wipe her mouth, voice low and fast. “Girl, that wasn’t just flirting..”
She stared at you like you’d grown a second head. You choked slightly.
Robin, still reading her book nearby, turned a page without looking up. “I think it was quite romantic.”
You turned to Nami, whispering hotly, “Okay, okay, I know, I’m sitting right here !”
Nami snickered, eyes sparkling like she was witnessing a live soap opera. “Don’t ‘I know’ me. I’ve never seen him look like that before. And he’s Sanji. His flirting is practically a weather system.”
You felt your face heat up, the kind of warmth that crept from your cheeks to the tips of your ears. You reached for your juice, mostly for something to do with your hands. “Maybe he was just being… nice.”
“Oh yeah,” Nami drawled. “Super nice…. because he’s reaaaaaal nice”
You groaned into your hands. “Nami, please. He likes someone else, remember?”
That sobered her slightly. She leaned back, eyes narrowing with a more thoughtful glint. “Right. The ‘mystery woman.’” Then she gave you a side glance. “are you sure he said someone not on this ship?”
You bit your lip, still smiling on the outside, but there was a tug behind your ribs. A quiet little twist. Your eyes drifted back to the galley doors where he’d disappeared, probably humming while he finished up dishes or prepared Luffy’s inevitable third round. He’d looked so proud when he’d set your plate down. So sure of what he was doing. So… hopeful.
Nami tilted her head. “So… he’s head over heels and trying to grow a pair finally”
“Yeah.” You toyed with your juice glass, swirling the contents. “I think he actually wants it to mean something. For once.”
Nami let out a low whistle, then narrowed her eyes at you. “And how do you feel about that?”
You hesitated. “I mean… proud. I guess. I know we joke about how ridiculous he is, but… I think it’s really sweet he’s trying.”
She watched you for a beat too long. “But?”
Your smile faltered a little. You looked down at your plate.
“…But I feel kind of stupid,” you admitted softly.
“Because the whole time I was helping him figure out how to win her over, I kept thinking…” You trailed off, then huffed a quiet laugh. “Never mind.”
Nami leaned closer. “Hey. Come on.”
You finally looked at her, cheeks warm. “I kept thinking how nice it would be if it was… me.”
There was a pause. Nami’s eyes softened. “Damn,” she whispered.
You elbowed her, laughing despite the ache in your chest. “Shut up.”
Robin closed her book with a soft snap. “Well… whoever she is, she must be someone very special.”
You smiled, a little more bittersweet this time, and took another bite of pancake. “Yeah,” you murmured. “She must be.”
Your fingers gently pushed a piece of banana around your plate.
He doesn’t love you. Not really. Even if part of him wants to. Even if you wish you’d said something before he asked for advice on how to love someone else.
Still blushing, you turned back to Nami, managing a weak grin. “I think I need more juice.”
as you stood, your eyes lingered one last time toward the galley. Just in time to see Sanji peek out just briefly like he was checking if you were enjoying your meal. Your heart squeezed, and you looked away before your smile gave too much away. He was trying so hard. Too bad it wasn’t for you.
The kitchen was warm with the scent of baked bread and spices when you wandered in, the early morning hush broken only by the soft clink of utensils and the faint sound of Sanji humming to himself. He stood at the counter with his sleeves rolled up, focused on arranging plates like he was crafting art instead of breakfast.
You leaned against the doorway with a small grin.
He jolted ever so slightly, a spoon slipping from his fingers and bouncing on the counter with a quiet clatter. “Tch must you sneak up on me like that?”
“I announced myself,” you said, walking in. “You’re just easy to rattle before coffee.”
He glanced over his shoulder, giving you a crooked smile. “If I’m rattled, it’s only because an angel wandered into my kitchen.”
You rolled your eyes, but your smile didn’t waver as you made your way toward the pitcher of juice near the sink.
“I’m just here for this,” you said, reaching for a glass.
But before you could pour it, Sanji stepped beside you, brushing past with effortless grace. His hand slipped gently around your waist not holding, not lingering, just enough to move you an inch to the side so he could reach the pitcher.
“Allow me,” he said smoothly, as if he did this every morning. As if his hand hadn’t just sent a ripple of heat straight up your spine.
He poured the juice calmly, setting the glass down in front of you with a soft “Here you go.”
You took it, blinking, and looked down for a second to ground yourself before flashing him a smile.
Sanji leaned against the counter casually, watching you with that faint smile of his, the one that held just enough softness to make your chest feel tight. You took a sip, pretending not to notice the way your skin still buzzed faintly where he’d touched you. “Breakfast smells good.”
“Only the best for my favorite ladies,” he said smoothly
You looked down into your juice. “The food was delicious”
He chuckled, low and warm. “Im happy that I could be of service”
You glanced at him from over the rim of your glass. “You do that everyday amazingly”
He tilted his head, just the hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. “Maybe I just like the smile it puts on your face.”
You nearly choked. You lifted your glass. “Careful, chef. Keep that up and the mysterious girl you’re into might get jealous.”
The words slipped out before you could stop them. You meant it as a joke. A tease. A shield. Sanji’s smile faltered just for a second. His gaze flicked to yours, something unreadable there.
Then he laughed, but it was quieter this time. “I'm sure she wouldn’t mind.”
You turned slightly, sipping your juice to hide your expression. Your heart did something unhelpful and fluttery. The touch of his hand still lingered like a phantom against your waist. “Well,” you said, eyes on the glass, “if she’s smart, she’ll hold on tight.”
You didn’t look back as you walked out, but you felt his gaze trail after you all the way to the door.
⟡𓌉◯𓇋₊˚⊹♡ cobblestone streets winding between open stalls, music playing faintly in the distance, and the smell of fresh pastries wafting through the air. With no mission scheduled, the Straw Hats had the rare gift of a free day on land. Naturally, you and Usopp took full advantage of it. You’d only been out for five minutes and had already stopped at three shops none of which you bought anything from. “Okay,” you said, holding up a ridiculous, oversized feathered hat from a vendor’s stall. “If I wear this, you think people will start treating me like royalty?”
Usopp struck a dramatic pose beside you. “You're so ratchet but it might work if I’m your royal advisor slash bodyguard slash legendary sniper.”
“Exactly,” he said proudly. “But Id be more likea knight and shining armour”
You snorted, putting the hat on Usopp’s head instead. “There. Now you look like a circus magician with tax fraud.”
He gasped in mock betrayal. “You take that back! This hat is limited edition!”
“Limited to what? Crimes against fashion?”
The vendor, who’d been quietly observing your antics, stifled a laugh while pretending to dust off some trinkets. Usopp adjusted the hat “You laugh now, but when I unveil my next great invention Usopp’s Amazing Weather Manipulation Cloak everyone will be begging to buy this look.”
“Oh yeah?” you asked, starting to walk down the street with him. “And what does this miracle cloak do?”
He puffed out his chest. “Simple. It changes the weather according to your mood. Sunny when you’re happy, storms when you’re mad ”
“So basically, you want to create a walking hazard to public safety? we will be taking away Nami’s job”
You cackled, nearly tripping over a barrel. “God, it’s a good thing Chopper’s the doctor and not you.”
“Hey! My inventions have some scientific basis!”
You gave him a look. “Like when you tried to glue mirrors to your boots so you could ‘sneak around corners’?”
Usopp immediately turned red. “That was strategic! I was testing the laws of physics!”
“shall we not dwell on the past you fiend”
You were both doubled over laughing by now, dodging around carts and weaving between market stalls. A group of kids ran past you squealing, and you barely missed getting smacked in the face with a balloon on a string. You eventually slowed near a little fountain in the town square, both of you catching your breath.
Usopp leaned on the edge of the fountain dramatically. “Man… why cant all days we stay like this.”
You took a sip from your water bottle and collapsed beside him on the ledge. “That isnt great warrior of the sea of you.”
The breeze picked up, brushing through your hair, and you sat in a comfortable silence for a moment just long enough for Usopp to break it. “Do you think Sanji would survive if we came back wearing matching ‘I ❤️ Zoro’ shirts?”
You didn’t even hesitate. “No. He’d implode.”
“immediate death then we’d get kicked off the ship.”
The sun glinted off the surface of the fountain water as you sat side by side with Usopp, still catching your breath from all the laughter. A light breeze picked up, rustling the colorful banners strung between rooftops and carrying the smell of sea salt and warm bread.
You were about to comment on how this was the first day in a while that felt truly peaceful when Usopp suddenly elbowed your arm.
“Hey, hey,” he said, nodding toward a stall across the square, “look who’s working his magic.”
You followed his gaze and immediately spotted Sanji. He was standing by a small fruit stall, all smiles and flowing compliments. The woman behind it a pretty local vendor was blushing furiously as Sanji offered to help carry something for her. His hand brushed hers lightly, and he flashed that dazzling, practiced grin you’d seen him give a thousand times before.
You swallowed, your smile fading just slightly. You tried to hide it, keeping your tone light.
“Guess that’s her, huh?” you murmured, glancing down at your hands in your lap.
You nodded faintly. “The one he asked me advice about. Makes sense, doesn’t it? We’ve been on this island for a week. He probably met her on one of those early grocery runs or something.”
Usopp looked back at the scene Sanji carefully adjusting the strap on the woman’s basket, saying something low that made her giggle and then back at you.
You gave a small sigh, more to yourself than anything. “She’s really pretty.”
Usopp’s face scrunched up, seeing the drop in your expression. “Hey, hey don’t go all mopey on me. You don’t even know if that’s the girl. He flirts with everything that moves.”
You laughed, despite yourself, but it was a little quieter than usual. Usopp, sensing he needed to go full Usopp mode, jumped to his feet. “Alright,” he said dramatically, striking a pose. “There’s only one thing to do in moments of emotional distress.”
You looked up, suspicious. “Usopp, what are you ”
“ Distraction via comedy!” he yelled, grabbing your hand with a flourish. “Come on, I’ll perform the Dance of a Thousand Legends!”
Before you could brace yourself, he spun you in an overly exaggerated twirl your legs tangled, your foot caught on the edge of the fountain
And with a splash, you were completely submerged in the cool, shallow water.
Usopp’s eyes went wide. “NO NO WAIT THAT WASN’T ”
You popped up, soaked from head to toe, blinking water out of your lashes, hair plastered to your cheeks.
“…Usopp,” you said slowly, voice eerily calm.
He held up both hands. “In my defense, that was the wind.”
You arched a brow, lips twitching despite yourself. “The wind spun me into the fountain?”
A beat of silence passed. Then you both cracked up. Laughter echoed around the fountain again, loud and genuine and ridiculous. A few people turned to look, but you didn’t care. Usopp offered you his hand with a grin, and this time, you took it just to yank him in with you. Another splash. Another shriek. Now you were both drenched, flailing in the fountain like overgrown children. You forgot about Sanji. You forgot about the girl. For the moment, there was just laughter, water, and one very amazing best friend who knew exactly how to pull you back to the surface.
⟡𓌉◯𓇋₊˚⊹♡The dock came into view, and you and Usopp were practically wheezing from laughter as you stumbled down the path toward the ship, clothes still slightly damp from your earlier fountain mishap. Your makeshift T shirts handwritten in bold, messy letters with black marker proudly declared:
Usopp kept pausing every few steps to bend over, hands on his knees, cackling like he hadn’t laughed in years.
“Oh my God,” you gasped, holding your side. “The look on his face is going to kill me.”
“I’m not ready,” Usopp panted, straightening up. “We need to be serious. Completely serious. No laughing.”
You immediately broke into another fit of laughter. “I already can’t breathe, how do you expect me to be serious?”
When the ship came fully into view, you shared a silent nod.
You both climbed up the ramp with as much drama as two theater kids about to win an award. The sun glinted off your ridiculous shirts as you stormed aboard like you were coming back from war. Zoro was on the deck, leaning against the mast with a toothpick in his mouth, sword at his hip, arms crossed like he definitely hadn’t been napping two minutes ago. His eyes flicked up in your direction and immediately narrowed.
You and Usopp struck matching poses. Team Rocket who?
“Zoro~!” you cooed, spinning in a slow circle to show off your shirt. “Look what we got made just for you~!”
Usopp threw both arms out. “We’re your number one fans!”
Zoro stared for a full second. “What the hell is wrong with you two.”
“Love does strange things to a person,” you said seriously, clutching your chest like you were about to faint.
“Speak for yourself,” Usopp added, holding his hand out to Zoro. “Your number one admirer. Autograph, please?”
Zoro’s face didn’t change. “You’re both idiots.”
“And proud,” you shot back with a wink.
Zoro turned, started walking away.
Usopp gasped. “Wait! Are you running from your feelings?”
“I swear, I will cut those shirts off you.”
“I’d love for you to try,” you said, chasing after him like a lovesick fangirl. “Zorooo~ come back~!”
Zoro grunted, picking up the pace, muttering something about needing to train which was definitely just code for escape. You and Usopp high fived triumphantly behind him, nearly doubled over with laughter.
“I’m giving us full credit,” you wheezed.
“As you should,” Usopp grinned. “This is peak comedy.”
The rest of the crew could only stare in confusion, amusement, or deep concern as the two of you continued your dramatic pursuit across the deck, yelling declarations of love at a very, very done swordsman. Somewhere near the helm, Franky raised an eyebrow, watching you dart after Zoro with your wet hair still dripping and marker all over your shirt. He blinked.
“…so like I need that shirt” he muttered.
Nami, passing by with a drink, didn’t look up. “No. No, you don’t.”
⟡𓌉◯𓇋₊˚⊹♡The sun was low in the sky, casting a golden shimmer across the waves lapping gently against the docked ship. You stood near the edge of the deck, your still soaked hair dripping quietly onto the wood below as you twisted it in your hands, trying to wring out as much water as you could. The sea breeze lifted the ends of your hair and shirt, still clinging damply to your frame. Your laughter from earlier with Usopp had faded into a peaceful calm now, the kind that settles in after the hecticness dies down and your chest is sore from joy.
Unbeknownst to you, Sanji stood just a few feet away frozen.
His cigarette hung lazily from his lips, forgotten.
The way the setting sun hit you glistening droplets trailing down your neck, the soft curve of your smile even in silence it was like something out of one of his daydreams. His heart gave a strange little flutter, and for a moment, everything else faded into the background. Sparkles. Literal sparkles.
He sighed, eyes softening like he didn’t even realize he was staring. then… he saw it. The shirt. “I ❤️ ZORO.”
His jaw clenched. The sparkles popped like a bubble. His eye twitched. “Zoro?” He looked around as if to yell “WHY ZORO?!” to the gods themselves.
Muttering something under his breath that might’ve included “blasphemous,” Sanji snuffed out his cigarette and made his way toward you, trying his best to look composed like his heart hadn’t just been broken by marker ink.
You heard soft footsteps behind you before you felt the gentle weight of a towel placed across your shoulders.
“Dry off properly,” Sanji said, voice low but kind. “You’ll catch a cold standing around like that.”
You blinked, looking over your shoulder at him in surprise.
“Oh thank you,” you said, taking the towel and patting your face first, then moving to your hair. “Sorry, didn’t mean to leave a puddle. Again.”
He gave a small shake of his head, kneeling down slightly to help towel off the ends of your hair. “Don’t apologize. You looked like a drowned cat earlier. Now you look like a damp angel.”
You rolled your eyes with a small smile. “You were doing so well. So close to normal.”
“Can’t help it,” he murmured, fingers brushing your shoulder briefly before pulling back. “You’re lucky I care whether you freeze to death.”
You looked at him then, soft towel still pressed to your hair, and his gaze met yours for a second too long.
“…Thanks, Sanji,” you said again, a little more sincerely this time.
His hand hovered like he wanted to reach for you again, but then his eyes flicked back to your shirt. The grimace returned instantly.
“He doesnt deserve that,” he muttered, standing up straight.
You laughed as he turned away. “HEY! hes so babygirl I cant help it” you called after him.
“he is absolutely not” he shouted back. “You want breakfast tomorrow? Say goodbye to that shirt!” You grinned to yourself, towel wrapped around your shoulders, and turned back toward the waves, a little warmer than you’d been before.
Sanji had only made it a few steps before turning on his heel with a fresh spark of dramatics and indignation blazing in his eyes. “Actually,” he said, pointing directly at your chest well, your shirt, but it didn’t help his case “take that off.”
You blinked at him. “Excuse me?”
“That shirt!” he sputtered, already flailing slightly. “That insult to fashion and common decency take it off!”
Your grin curled like a mischievous wave. “Oh? So you do want me to take my clothes off.”
He froze Eyes wide. Face immediately red. “No I mean yes wait, NO!”
You burst into laughter, doubling over slightly with the towel still wrapped around your shoulders. “Wow, Sanji. I didn’t think you’d be so bold! Here? Out in the open?”
“That’s not ! That’s not what I meant, don’t twist my words like that!” he wailed, fanning himself with one hand, his other flailing like he was fighting off a swarm of bees. “I just I meant the shirt! Not ! Not you being ! Naked ! I mean, not that I’d mind NO, WAIT !”
You were fully wheezing now, nearly stumbling over the dock as you clutched the towel and your ribs.
“I can’t believe this is the hill you chose to die on,” you giggled.
He groaned into his hands. “This is not what I meant! Mosshead doesn’t deserve to be worshipped like that, not even ironically! What does he have that I don’t, huh?!”
You tilted your head with an evil sparkle in your eye. “You mean besides incredible muscle mass, a mysterious bad boy attitude, and oh my god hes just so handsome”
Sanji looked like you’d kicked him in the soul.
“I I have !” He pointed to himself, eyes wide, desperate. “I can cook! I’m chivalrous! I’d rather die than let you even get a scratch, i bet he wouldn’t even–”
You raised a brow, still smirking. “So… you’re saying you want me to wear your name on my shirt?”
He opened his mouth. Closed it. Blushed so hard he practically glowed.
Then muttered, “if it’s written in chocolate on you everything would change.”
You blinked. You weren’t sure if he meant on a shirt or on your skin, but judging by how red his ears were now, he wasn’t sure either.
“…You’re unbelievable,” you snorted, shaking your head and heading toward the ramp.
“You started it!” he called after you, still flustered and pointing. “I’m redeeming fashion! I’m doing the Lord’s work!”
You turned just slightly, giving him a wink.
“Sure, loverboy. Let me know when your merch line drops.” You disappeared up the ship, leaving a very red, very confused Sanji behind with his towel and shattered pride.
⟡𓌉◯𓇋₊˚⊹♡Everyone had long since gone to bed, their laughter fading into soft snores behind closed doors.
Sleep just… wasn’t happening. No matter how many times you rolled over or how tightly you hugged your pillow, your mind wouldn’t stop spinning. So you gave up, slipped into a loose sweater and shorts, and padded softly down the hall barefoot toward the kitchen. you padded softly into the kitchen, hoping some warm tea or leftover fruit might help settle your restless thoughts.
What you didn’t expect was the dim glow of the kitchen lamp already on… or the disheveled blond figure hunched over on the bench beneath the window.
His head lifted slowly. His tie was loose and crooked, shirt half buttoned, and his hair messier than usual like he’d run his fingers through it too many times. His cheeks were flushed a faint rose, and his eyes were just the wrong kind of glossy.
He blinked, then smiled like he was watching the sun rise for the first time.
“Angel,” he breathed. “You really do walk on clouds, don’t you?”
You blinked, caught a little off guard by how fast he perked up.
“Hey, hey easy there, loverboy,” you said with a chuckle, walking over and gently placing your hands on his shoulders to ease him back down. “Calm down, big boy.” You couldn’t help a snort. “Okay, Casanova, how many glasses in are you?”
He held up two fingers… then thought about it and added a third. “10.”
You walked past him to the counter and grabbed a clean cup, filling it with water. “You’re lucky it’s me and not Zoro. He’d have tied you to the mast for being this loud.”
“He’s just jealous of me,” Sanji mumbled dramatically, gaze following you the entire way.
You walked back to him, holding out the glass. “Drink this. You’re gonna regret whatever this is in the morning.”
He stared at the water. “But you’re the only thing I’m thirsty for ”
“Sanji,” you warned with a half laugh, plopping into the chair beside him and crossing your arms.
“Right. Water.” He took the glass and chugged it like it might turn into wine. “That was for you.”
“Thanks,” you snorted. “I feel incredibly hydrated by proxy.”
He swayed slightly and rested his cheek against his fist, still looking at you like you held the moon in your palms. “You’re really beautiful, you know that?”
You tilted your head. “You tell every girl that.”
“But I mean it more when it’s you,” he slurred softly.
Your lips parted, but the words didn’t come. There was something raw about how he said it. Like he wasn’t trying to charm you. Just… saying what he felt.
You swallowed and looked away for a second, staring at the quiet kitchen. “Why’re you drinking alone?”
He shrugged, shoulders loose and hazy. “Just thinking. About stupid things. About smart things that feel stupid. About shirts and swords and ” he hiccuped, “ how I’ll never be cool like Zoro.”
You rolled your eyes with a smile. “Zoro wouldn’t even know how to turn on a stove.”
“I know!” Sanji whined. “I know. But he doesn’t need to. People just like him anyway. And you ” he paused, his voice dropping a little “you wore his name.”
That made you blink. You looked at him fully now. “Sanji…”
He let out a breathy laugh and shook his head, burying his face in his arms against the table.
“I’m being dumb again, huh?” he mumbled. “I always get like this when you’re near. It’s like my brain turns into scrambled eggs.”
You watched him for a moment, your chest tight with something unspoken.
“…You’re not dumb,” you said finally, your voice quiet. “You’re just bad at pretending you don’t feel things.”
He peeked up at you, eyes soft.
You smiled gently. “It’s kinda… what I like about you.”
You sat down next to him on the bench, a comfortable space between you until Sanji, with absolutely zero hesitation, leaned into you and snuggled his head against your shoulder.
“Mmm.” His voice was muffled in your sweater. “You’re so warm. You smell like the sea and something sweet… like honey. Or cake. Or maybe youre just as sweet.”
You blinked, looking down at the mess of blond hair now nestled into you. You let him rest there, too tired to push him off and maybe not really wanting to. The kitchen was quiet aside from the ticking of the wall clock and the hum of the ship gently rocking with the waves. His body was warm against yours, heavy and content.
After a moment, you murmured, “You okay, Sanji?”
He let out a sigh, his breath hitting your collarbone. “Nope.”
You smiled faintly, resting your head lightly against his. “Wanna talk about it?”
“Only if you hold it for me like a baby bird.”
You snorted. “Yeah, you’re done.”
Sanji shifted slightly against you, cheek still pressed to your shoulder, but now his fingers were fidgeting with the hem of your sleeve tugging, releasing, tugging again. There was a quiet stillness in the kitchen, broken only by the ticking clock and the gentle sway of the ship. “…Hey,” he mumbled, voice thick and unsteady. “Can I ask you something?”
You glanced down at him, smile soft. “Sure.”
He hesitated, then pulled back just enough to meet your eyes. They were a little glassy from the wine, sure, but behind that, you saw something so cute and honest peeking through. He looked almost… scared.
“Do you…” He swallowed. “Do you actually like me? Like this?”
You blinked. “What do you mean ‘like this’?”
He looked away, rubbing the back of his neck, face now red as a tomato. “I mean I know I’m kind of a disaster. I flirt too much, I say dumb stuff, I fall too fast, I… twirl around like an idiot half the time. But when I asked you for advice… I wasn’t ”
He cut himself off with a shaky breath, then turned back to you, expression completely open now, like he was laying his heart on the table next to the crumbs and the empty wine bottle.
“…I was trying to ask how to get you to like me.”
Time stopped. Literally, it felt like the kitchen froze. The air thickened, your heart skipped so hard it hurt, and your brain went completely blank except for one long, internal scream.
He winced slightly, clearly mistaking your shock for horror. “I know I’m an idiot. I thought maybe if I asked like it was about someone else, it wouldn’t be so embarrassing. You’re just so amazing. You laugh at my jokes, you call me out when I’m being over the top, and you look at me like I’m… a person. Not a character.”
Your mouth opened and closed uselessly. “Wait. Wait.”
He kept going, barely able to meet your eyes now, fingers nervously twisting the fabric of your sweater. “I thought if I could just be better, maybe you’d see me differently. Maybe you’d want to give me a shot. I didn’t want to mess it up by saying the wrong thing so I thought… maybe you could tell me how to win over a girl like you. B But that’s stupid, right?”
It hit you like a ton of bricks. A ton of bricks wrapped in love letters and wine stained confessions. The girl he’d been talking about… the one he wanted to be better for, the one he asked about so earnestly… it wasn’t some island stranger.
Your breath hitched as your brain scrambled for a coherent thought. Your face burned so hot it might’ve glowed in the dark.
“Oh my god,” you whispered, barely audible. “Sanji.”
He was still looking down, shoulders tense, voice quiet and fragile. “Yeah?”
You swallowed hard. “You… you’re in love with me?”
His face practically exploded in red as he jerked his head back up to look at you, horrified. “I Wh What?! I mean yes?! No I mean dammit oui?! I didn’t mean to say it like that! I meant like not like, love love but maybe like a crush or oh god I’m drunk, ignore me ”
You pressed your hands to your cheeks, laughing way too high pitched, flustered beyond saving.
“I was so smooth in my head,” he groaned, burying his face into your shoulder again. “I had speeches and everything. Why did I drink five glasses?!”
You laughed again, covering your face. “You’re such an idiot.”
“Is that a yes idiot or a no idiot?”
You bit your lip, cheeks hot, heart racing as you looked down at the ridiculous, flustered man holding onto your arm like he might float away otherwise.
“…Maybe it’s a yes idiot,” you whispered.
His head whipped up. “What?!”
You smiled shyly. “Maybe I like you too. Just the way you are.”
He blinked. Then blinked again. And then
He passed out in your lap.
“…Unbelievable,” you muttered, flustered and smiling helplessly as you smoothed back his hair. “You really are the dumbest romantic I’ve ever met.”
Sanji: I just wanna eat you up… starting with a little nibble here and maybe a lick there
