𐙚 Blackleg Sanji x Fem!Reader 𖹭 wc: 2.1k - wholesome fluff & slight humor ⸝⸝ friends to lovers!
— Late night cooking turns into a sweet confession!
Song: Butterflies by Michael Jackson
WARNINGS: language/slight cursing ⸝⸝ mentions of food/baking ⸝⸝ I didn't proofread it fully SO I'M SORRY IF IT'S RUSHED ⸝⸝ a kiss scene!
💭Rose's Note: I cooked pancakes 2 times this week and had to rearranged this for it. THIS TOOK ME MONTHS TO GET OUT OF MY DRAFTS.
𝓢ANJI IS DEEPLY in love with you. It wasn’t because of his usual manner, which is being flirtatious and obsessed with every woman he sees. There was more to it than that. It’s something different when it comes to you. Every time you are around, his whole body stops processing. Whenever you smile and drift your attention towards him, he can’t help but feel like time has stopped, and both of you are the only people existing. Everything you do makes him speechless. From your kind personality to your beauty, he adores you so much.
As Sanji was in the kitchen preparing the next meal of the day, which was suspiciously your favorite meal. Oh no. He was so busy thinking about you that he made it in an instant. He dropped whatever he was holding, which was a knife, onto the counter. The blonde man’s hands reached to his hair as he let out a stressed sigh.
“Shit,” Sanji cursed under his breath.
“Sanji?” His body stiffens from already recognizing your calm, polite voice.
“Yes, my love?” He questions as he turns to face you.
“Zoro said that he wants more sake. Is there any more left?” Sanji’s eyebrows furrow out of anger before he lets out a sigh.
“That moss-head can get it himself.” But Sanji already picked up the bottle despite talking badly about the swordsman a second ago. When he gave it to you, his fingers lingered on yours a little bit longer than expected before letting go of the bottle.
Sanji could’ve sworn that his heart was about to beat right out his chest. He noticed how your eyes slightly widened and your cheeks turned into a brighter shade of pink. Him on the other hand, was shaking but hiding it by placing it in his trouser pockets.
“T-thanks!” You stuttered a bit before forcing it out. Sanji nodded, trying to be casual, which obviously didn’t work well. Even when Sanji tried to brush it off, the whole crew’s attention was on you two. They already noticed it. They always had.
The crew watched as Sanji fumbled on the spot, and the shyness brushed past you, which earned grins, nods, and whispers from everyone around. As you walked away from the kitchen to deliver the sake to the grumpy green-haired man, everyone exclaimed teasingly.
“You’re blushing, Sanji,” Nami teased, which made Sanji’s hands shake.
“Look at that! Y/n has really done it for him!” A chuckle escaped from Franky.
“Why are you guys only talking about Sanji?” Robin interrupts,
“Thank you, Robin-dear! – Wait – what?” Sanji looked at Robin confusedly.
“You guys should also question the other victim. She was stuttering.” Robin grinned before taking a sip of her lemonade, which made Sanji’s ears warm up.
“Actually, that was a good one, Robin!” Ussop cackled.
“Oh, shut it, Ussop!” Everyone could’ve sworn they saw him grow taller with spikey teeth, but Sanji turned back to the counter and continued fixing everyone's plates.
A FEW HOURS LATER – 11:28 P.M
You tiptoed into the kitchen, hoping the creaky floor wouldn’t alarm everyone, but once you turned the corner, you jumped back in surprise.
“Y/n-dear, are you okay?!” Sanji’s voice was higher than he intended it to be. “What are you doing here this late?”
“I was trying to get a late-night snack. I’m sorry!” You covered your mouth just in case your laugh becomes louder. Sanji gave a small smile.
“What would you like, my love?” The man’s hand already reached towards the refrigerator door.
“I’m not exactly sure what I want, but I’m craving for something sweet!” You leaned over the island counter.
“Alright! I will surprise you with something that will fill your stomach.” The corner of your lips quirked as you watched him get the ingredients from the fridge.
“Would you maybe…” You stretched the word ‘maybe’ longer then intended, “teach me how to cook along the way?”
You saw the man’s eyes light up immediately in surprise and amazement. “I would be glad to teach you, love.”
“That means you’ll have to tell me what you’re making.” You watched the blonde-haired man grab the flour, egg carton, and milk from the fridge and place them on the counter.
“Why don’t you be surprised? I’ll tell you once we get prepared to cook it.”
“Fine.” You say as you drift your attention to the window. Once he grabbed the bowl and spatula, he turned to face you.
“Are you ready?” He questioned as a bright smile appeared on his face. You nodded eagerly until you realized how fast it was.
“Yep. I’m ready!” Sanji then added the amount of flour and told you how many eggs you could crack. You took an egg from the carton, pressed it on the counter a little roughly until you heard it crack, and spread the shell apart. You watched as the egg yolk fell into the bowl before the blonde chef grabbed the spatula, which stopped you in your tracks.
“Let me add milk.” Sanji took the milk carton, poured the right amount, closed the lid, and put it in the fridge. The cook then moved aside so you could stir.
As you were stirring the batter, the chef pulled the bacon from its clear wrapping and placed it in the pan. “I won’t let you do this because I don’t want the grease to pop at you.” You nodded before continuing your movement. Your movements were steady and precise as you were stirring the batter.
After Sanji checked the bacon strips in the pan, his attention drifted to you. “You're doing very well, my sweet.” Your lips curved from his compliment before stopping your tracks. “Oh, wait. It still needs to mix with vanilla.” Sanji grabbed the vanilla extract, dipped a few into the bowl, and moved so you could stir.
The chef went back to his original position to flip the bacon and place the rest on the plate. Then Sanji went to the fridge and grabbed the margarine before closing the door. Once he grabbed the butter knife, sliced the right amount of the smooth butter, and placed it on the pan effortlessly.
“I feel like I know what you’re doing, and it’s kind of too late to make it.” You giggled.
“It’s not a lot of battery. It’s only enough for a few.”
“And this is supposed to be a snack?”
“It’s enough to fill your stomach.” The chef smiled, making you mirror it.
“Sure. This will definitely fill me in the morning as well.” You poured the batter into the pan.
“And I thought you said that you wanted me to teach you how to cook,” Sanji remarked as he crossed his arms.
“Maybe you should’ve thought that I wanted to spend time with you.” You glanced at him before grabbing the spatula.
TEN MINUTES LATER
Sanji placed the golden, fluffy pancakes onto your plate along with the bacon. Your eyes lit up as you could feel your mouth watering.
“This looks so good,” you said, licking the corner of your lips.
“It is for you.” Sanji placed the plate across the island counter. You walked around the counter, but before you could sit down, Sanji, like a gentleman he is, moved the chair back enough for you to pass by. “My lady,” He gestured his hand out.
“You didn’t have to do that, Sanji,” You say as you drift your attention to him.
“But I wanted to” The chef gave a soft smile, making you mirror it before sitting in the chair. The man pushed the chair in enough for you to reach the counter, then he walked around the other side of the island.
Sanji watched as you used the side of your fork to cut off a slice of the fluffy pancake before pressing it into your mouth. He smiled once he heard a satisfied sound from you.
“This is so good.” You closed your eyes in satisfaction. “Thank you so much, Sanji!”
“Anything for you, my lady.” Sanji tilted his head in confusion as he noticed you shifting in your chair while looking everywhere else but his face. He brushed it off before he turned to face the counter.
Sanji started to overthink. Everything he was thinking about led straight to you, making you the answer to everything. His train of thought, daydreams, his wishes, and his future. Even if it does hurt his chest, he really wants to be there for you. Even if you don’t accept his confession, it was worth risking to express himself.
“Y/n, I have something to tell you,” he says, making you pause your movements. You had your attention on him, which made him even more nervous about saying how he felt. “Uhm,” He stared into your eyes as he swallowed the lump in his throat. “Never mind. It’s nothing.” Sanji faced the dishes and started rolling up his sleeves.
“What was it?” You questioned as you stood beside him.
“It’s nothing to worry about. And it probably would've ruined this moment anyway.”
“Sanji…” You crossed your arms, leaving your elbow at the edge of the counter. “I know something is up. Please tell me.” Oh, how could he ignore it? Especially when you are asking nicely. But he was scared. Scared of destroying your friendship because nine times out of ten, you might not see him the same way he sees you.
“It’s just…” Sanji’s fingers held a small grip on the edge of the sink. “I’m scared that what I would say would make you uncomfortable and might not see me the same.”
“It wouldn’t hurt to tell, ‘cause you never know how I would react.” Your comforting words made him feel a little better, but he was still very anxious.
Sanji let out a sigh and removed his gloves before placing them aside. His eyes drifted towards the floor before looking into your confused eyes. “Y/n, I am in love with you.” He finally says, making your eyes widen.
“I am in love with you, and I always have ever since I met you. I fell in love with you the moment I first laid eyes on you. I was attracted to your beauty from the inside and out. Before you joined the Strawhats, you helped out your village and showed how much you care about them, even if they didn’t believe that you could save them. You were independent and declined my offer when I tried reaching out a hand to help.”
You felt your eyes watering from his words, “I felt crazy when I couldn’t help out. Luffy had to stop me since he said it was your fight and your decision. But you stopped them even when you were really badly injured. Your beauty leaves me breathless. Every time I look into your eyes, it’s always so gentle, like it’s welcoming me home. Every time you laugh, I can’t help but feel warmth. And every time you help out the people around you, my heart always feels at ease.”
Sanji paused for a moment as he was trying to find anything else to say because he had a whole list, but that would take a million years even to finish explaining. “I know that you probably won’t feel the same because of how I act towards everyone. Even the thought of you being with me sounds impossible, you know? Not in a bad way, but impossible since I am way under your league-”
“Sanji,” You interrupted him. You stepped closer, making him freeze on the spot. Sanji could already feel his hands becoming sweaty and his heart thumping against his chest.
Your hand reached to his cheek, thumb brushing against his skin before pressing your lips against his. Right then and there, he felt like his fireworks exploded around him. Was this real? It took Sanji a few seconds to register what had happened before he leaned into the kiss. You felt one of his hands wrap around your waist, and the other cupping your cheek.
The kiss started off slow before building with more tension. You felt his soft lips move in sync with yours as his hands explored your curves, and your fingers locked in his blonde hair. He could taste the sweetness from the pancake and the syrup remiainings on your lips. After a minute, you pulled back, and your eyes fluttered open. He was speechless, breathing heavily from the adrenaline.
“Wha – what was that?” He was cut off from his heavy breathing.
Your lips curved into a light smile. “Your answer.”
“Do that again, and I will go crazy-” And you interrupted him with another kiss. His face turned red as his lips parted. “I’m being serious!” You giggled at his reaction.
“Sanji, I love you too. I have been in love with you for a while now, and I just thought you only saw me the same way you see Nami and Robin.”
“You don’t have to worry about that, my love.” He lifted your hand and kissed the back of it tenderly. “You are the only one I have eyes for.”
— pairings: luffy x fem!reader (modern, college au)
— art by @/hunnismokah
— can be considered a sequel to this fic here
You hadn’t expected tutoring Luffy to involve this much walking.
Or this much handholding.
That hand on your wrist has traveled lower, finally settling into your palm. It’s much warmer than the night air around you, and Luffy’s grip is insistent but not harsh.
“Come on, we’re almost there!” You two are already a couple of miles from campus, and it’s clear that Luffy knows this route well.
Clearly, he’s much hungrier than you thought. You’re nearly in a half-jog trying to keep up with him.
“You said that about three miles ago.” You remind him, a little out of breath. “Do you always walk this fast?”
Luffy glances back at you, tilting his head. “Fast?” There’s genuine confusion in his voice.
“We’ve been walking for like fifteen minutes.”
“Yeah.”
“Luffy.”
“What?”
His hand shifts again when you two come to a crosswalk, fingers tightening slightly as he pulls you along the street. You try not to ponder it too much. Unfortunately, it’s hard to focus on much else when he keeps swinging your joined hands like it’s the most normal thing in the world.
The light from the streetlamps hits the side of his face, and for a moment, you nearly forget the slight ache in your legs.
If there’s a night breeze, you don’t notice it, Luffy’s palm keeping your own warm.
The streets surrounding the campus aren’t all the way empty—there are still cars passing every now and then, distant laughter coming from somewhere behind you— but for some reason, Luffy seems quieter than usual.
Focused, almost. Even more so than he was while watching you explain integrals earlier.
Suddenly, he points ahead with his free hand, that signature grin of his lighting up his face. “There!”
You follow his finger, blinking at the restaurant. Sandwiched between two brick buildings is a small diner squeezed into the corner of the street, neon lights glowing against the windows.
Before you know it, you’re hearing the bell on the door chime softly as Luffy tugs you inside.
The grin on Luffy’s face only widens as he waves to someone behind the counter, his enthusiasm nearly making you smile despite your exhaustion.
He seems to have that effect on you.
“You sit wherever,” Luffy says, already leading you toward a booth near the back. You can’t help but notice the smell—fried food, syrup, and something sweet you can’t place.
He slides into the booth first, but before you can even think about sitting on the opposite side, he uses his hold on your hand to pull you down beside him. Luffy loosens his grip on your hand slightly before releasing it entirely. He grabs one of the laminated menus.
Your hand feels strangely cold without his warmth.
You decide not to dwell on it.
“How often do you come here?” You ask, picking up a menu of your own.
“Uh…” You watch as Luffy bites the inside of his cheek, eyes scanning the pages with intense concentration. “...Enough.”
You blink at his answer, before nodding slowly.
“Do they know your order already?” You ask, half-joking as you begin to read through the menu yourself.
“Probably.”
Right on cue, someone behind the counter yells, “Usual, Luffy?”
“Yeah!” He calls back, looking over your shoulder.
At that, you can’t help but chuckle. You’ve noticed that every time you’re with Luffy, he somehow makes everything feel a little less serious. Even worse, you’ve realized that you like it.
Like him.
Any further thinking on the matter is cut short when the waitress approaches your table, a notepad in hand.
The next few minutes pass in a blur of menus, orders, and Luffy somehow adding more food to his order twice.
You take a quick glance at your phone, checking the time. It’s nearly midnight.
About fifteen minutes later, there’s enough food on the table that you briefly wonder if more people are coming. You move your drink a bit closer to you to make room. Luffy looks concerningly happy with all of it.
He slides one of the plates closer to you, the sweet and savory scent of chicken and waffles wafting up to greet you. “You’ll like this one.” There’s a grin on his face, one you’ve grown fond of over these past couple of months.
“Is this what you usually get when you come here?” You ask, pulling a fork from your wrapped napkin.
“Yeah.”
You glance around at the amount of food.
“All of this?”
“No.”
You relax slightly, taking a bite.
“Usually more.”
You nearly choke on your waffle. But seeing his completely serious expression, you can't help but laugh, the sound mixing with the low hum of the heater nearby.
It’s silent for a moment, the air filled with quiet music from the small ceiling speakers and the clink of silverware.
Even though you’re tired of it yourself, you still think to ask about what you were explaining earlier. “Luffy?”
He hums in response, nearly face-first in a plate of pancakes. Luffy’s black eyes flick up to meet yours, a smudge of syrup on his cheek.
“Does any of the stuff I was talking about earlier actually make sense?” It’s kind of hard to tell with him.
The ravenette leans back slightly, facing you a bit more now.
“Integrals are still weird.”
You nod, reaching for your drink. “That’s fair.”
“But I like when you explain stuff.”
Something coils in your chest, a warmth that has absolutely nothing to do with the heater. “Because it helps?”
“Because it’s you.”
You should probably respond to that, but you find yourself at a loss for words. It happens more often than you’d like with Luffy.
Luffy goes back to his food, his shoulder brushing against yours as he plucks a piece of bacon from your plate.
You don’t stop him.
When you come to think of it, you haven’t stopped him from doing a lot of things lately.
He doesn’t move his shoulder away, and neither do you.
In all honesty, you’re not sure when tutoring turned into late-night diner trips.
But you’re not sure you want it to stop.
taglist: @kingofthe-egirls
a/n: hbd to @luffystoefungus !! this is dedicated to her. thank you for reading 🩵
request by @i0fty : Hello! Could I please request a fic where the reader (fem) who tries to cook something for Sanji but burns herself, but then hides it because she's embarrassed?
~
you were standing in the galley, staring at the absolute disaster on the stove.
the pan was smoking, the edges of the food were completely black, and your hand was stinging so bad. you had tried to make a simple dish to surprise sanji, but everything went wrong. when you tried to move the hot pan, your fingers brushed the burning metal.
"ow..." you hissed, holding your wrist. your knuckles were already turning a nasty, angry red.
you felt so incredibly embarrassed. sanji always made cooking look so easy and graceful, and here you were, making a mess and hurting yourself. you quickly turned off the stove, opened a window to let the smoke out, and hid your burned hand behind your back when you heard footsteps down the hall.
the door swung open and sanji walked in. his eyes instantly went from calm to completely frantic the second he smelled the smoke and saw the charred pan.
"y/n-chan! what happened in here? are you alright?" he rushed over to you, his eyes scanning you for any injuries.
"i'm fine! totally fine, sanji. just tried to cook a little snack and got carried away," you said, forcing a smile. you kept your injured hand tucked tightly behind your back.
sanji narrowed his visible eye, his eyebrows knitting together. he didn't look convinced at all. "your snack burned, but what about you? let me see your hands."
"no, really, it's nothing—"
"please," he said, his voice dropping into that gentle, sincere tone he only used with you.
sighing, you slowly brought your hand forward. the burn looked even worse now, blisters already trying to form across your knuckles.
sanji froze. his face went completely pale, as if he was the one who had just been burned. he stared at your hand with an expression of pure horror and despair.
"no... no, no, no! how could i let this happen?!" sanji suddenly cried out, dropping to his knees dramatically and clutching his head. "this is all my fault! i am the scum of the earth! a failure of a cook, a failure of a man! to allow such beautiful, delicate hands to be harmed under my watch!"
"sanji, you weren't even in the room!" you said quickly, your face turning red from how dramatic he was being. "i did it to myself!"
"it doesn't matter!" he insisted, standing up with tears of dramatic guilt in his eyes. "i should have sensed your desire to cook! i should have been here to guide your lovely hands and protect them from the cruel flames! to think you suffered while i was doing nothing... i am truly unforgivable!"
before you could protest any further, sanji gently scooped you up in his arms, being incredibly careful not to touch your bad hand.
"we are going to chopper right this instant! hang on, my love!" he yelled, kicking the galley door open and sprinting across the sunny’s deck.
"sanji, put me down, i can walk!" you yelled, hiding your face in his shoulder because luffy and usopp were staring at you guys.
"absolutely not! you are injured!" sanji declared.
he burst into the clinic, startling chopper who was organizing some bandages. "chopper! emergency! save her!" sanji pleaded.
"wah! what happened?! who's dying?!" chopper panicked, running around in circles before realizing it was just a burn on your hand.
once chopper calmed down, he carefully applied a soothing ointment to your knuckles and wrapped them in a neat white bandage. through the entire process, sanji stayed right by your side. he took your uninjured hand in both of his, holding it so gently, as if you were made of glass.
"i am so, so sorry," sanji murmured, his voice soft and full of genuine emotion. he lifted your bandaged hand and placed a tender, lingering kiss right on top of the fabric covering your knuckles. "you have no idea how much it pains my heart to see you hurt. but... did you really try to cook something for me?"
you looked down, feeling shy. "yeah. i wanted to do something nice for you since you always cook for everyone else. but i ruined it."
sanji's eye widened, and a soft, incredibly warm smile spread across his face. "you wanted to cook for me? that is the most beautiful, wonderful gesture. I deeply appreciate it, truly. the thought alone makes me the happiest man alive." then his expression turned serious again as he looked at the bandage. "but your poor hand is absolutely not okay. you must never risk injuring yourself like this again. leave the fire and the kitchen to me." he stood up, gently helping you off the cot. "come back to the galley. you need to rest, and i am going to make you the most delicious, comforting meal to make up for this tragedy."
you smiled, the embarrassment finally fading away. "okay. thank you, sanji."
back in the kitchen, sanji set you down in a chair with a soft cushion. he went to work immediately, moving around the kitchen like a whirlwind, slicing ingredients with perfect precision. within minutes, he placed a perfect, steaming bowl of soup and a plate of sweet desserts in front of you.
"eat up, my darling," sanji said softly, leaning down to press a sweet kiss to your cheek. "let your chef take care of you from now on."
theme(s): comfort, love, hope, teeny tiny bit of angst? (if you squint?)
warning: none, pure fluff. maybe the fact that it's not proofread or edited 🤷♀️
synopsis: headcanon-oneshot thingy of how Sanji would be in a relationship with a shy cutie (aka you 😉)
You struggled when it came to truly enjoying your food, since you were almost always in a constant state of anxiousness, adding a picky eating habits to the mix and you were almost always leaving your plate untouched.
Having a very low self-confidence, you avoided trouble like the plague and flinched at the slightest raising of a voice (Luffy being the only exception).
Then you meet Sanji who is confident, yet in a soft way. Who is trouble, but the kind that brings a smile to your face. Who is loud - loud to confess his love for you, his devotion to you, loud in the way that leaves your heart pounding in your chest, not because of fear, but because of the feeling that everything will be alright.
Sanji who is quick to make you laugh, and even quicker to come to your defence.
Sanji whose voice is louder than all the insecurities that live in your head.
Sanji who treats you like the most delicate piece of glass, not because he's scared you'll break, but because he knows all the ways you've been hurt and only wants to bring healing to your constantly aching heart.
Sanji who listens intently as you go on and on about the book your reading, about how heroic the main herione is, and how you wished you could be like her.
Sanji who stops you right there and then, saying "y/n, mon cherie, you are heroic, you are my hero. this crew needs you, we will always need you, i will always need you."
Sanji who hugs you tight as silent tears stream down your face.
Sanji who silently hushes you as you desperately tried to apologize, to explain yourself, but he won't have it, "you've got nothing to apologize for my beloved, nothing at all" he murmurs as he gently rakes his fingers through your hair.
Sanji who happily agrees to let you sleep with him, giving you his arm as a pillow and hugging you tight as you both fall fast asleep.
Sanji who stays up late at night to listen to you rant about your day, all the good things and the bad, gently adding his own piece of advice whenever you wait for him to say something.
Sanji who spends days on end, making all kinds of dishes, with ingredients you'd never even heard of, to help expand your pallete and get you eating.
Sanji who doesn't judge you for your picky eating habits.
Sanji who understands that its just the way you are and not because you want to be that way.
Sanji who brings you a sample of each and every dish he's made and writes down all your thoughts in order to make the perfect dish.
Sanji who finally made a dish he's confident you'll like.
Sanji who brings it to you, heart pounding in anticipation (and excitement) as he watches you take a tentative bite, then sees your features brighten as your eyes widen in happiness, "this is delicious!"
Sanji who (totally) didn't cry from the pure joy of you enjoying your meal, and not only that, you asked for more.
Sanji who never took it personally when you said you didn't like some of the food he made.
Sanji who only used it as fuel, his personal mission if you will, to get you eating, to get you to enjoy your food, to enjoy life.
Sanji who accepted you for who you are, and never forced anything on you.
Sanji who wanted to know what you thought about anything and everything.
Sanji who would do anything for you just to see you smile with the true joy and happiness that came with being with him and your crew, and eating food to your hearts content.
a/n: can you tell this was 100% self-indulgent?
just finished season 2 of the live action and it was so so good (>v<)!!
I love opla sanji so much, he's just so perfect 🥹
he can cook, he's kind, he's sweet, a flirt-
ugh, he's perfect (≧◡≦) ♡
(mind you I haven't read/watched the animanga soo, idk if Sanji is the same there 🤷♀️)
feel free to comment! it always brightens my day seeing someone commented on my work ＼(＾▽＾)／!
banner made by me!
divider made by the wonderful @kodaswrld!
anyway!
writing this just made me think of the way God created love to be, as a way for both men and women to serve one another. Love is putting the needs of others before your own, hence why Jesus died for us in the first place, putting our needs (the need to be purified in order to have enternal life) before his own!
and I hope I was able to portray that kind of love with the way Sanji loved you in this!
when you ask Sanji for late night cinnamon rolls, he has absolutely no issue with making them for you.
The waves beneath the Thousand Sunny rock gently, expectedly calm for this time of night. You’re sitting at the kitchen island, legs swinging as you watch Sanji practically dance around the kitchen.
The galley smells warm and sweet, the scent of cinnamon and butter filling the room as he sets the oven timer.
His sleeves are rolled to his elbows, and you can’t help but take a moment to admire the pretty sculpt of his arms before your eyes flicker back up to his face. Sanji’s deft hands roll dough beneath his palms, small patches of flour decorating his fingers.
He looks beautiful.
It’s a thought that’s crossed your mind many times before. On the deck, in the aquarium—even during battles. But especially like this.
In his own world. Cooking.
The dim, amber lights of the kitchen bathe his blonde hair perfectly as Sanji hums a soft tune beneath his breath.
“You know, Sanji,” You start, resting your chin in your palm. “When I said I wanted cinnamon rolls thirty minutes ago, it could have waited until morning.”
A quiet chuckle leaves him.
“Could have,” he agrees easily. “But then you’d have to wait until morning.”
Oh, how you love his voice. How soft it always is with you.
You can’t help but huff out a soft laugh, watching as he dusts some of the flour from his hands. “And how tragic that would’ve been.”
“Exactly.” Sanji places a hand dramatically over his chest before flashing you a charming grin. “And I simply couldn’t have you suffering, mon amour.”
You roll your eyes, looking down at your free hand resting on the countertop. Before you can stop it, a smile gives you away immediately.
Observant as he is, Sanji catches it in seconds.
And there it is again—that look.
Like he’s far too happy with himself for being the reason behind it.
He turns fully towards you this time, leaning back against the counter. There’s a knowing look in his eyes, crinkled a bit by his smile. “You always smile like that when I cook for you.”
Your stomach, that traitor, does an embarrassing little flip.
“I do not.”
“You do, love.”
Before you can argue, he’s sliding the leftover icing bowl across the counter.
“Do you want the rest?” The chef places a spoon down with a quiet clink, like he already knows you will.
You stare at it for a beat, and then, with a soft smile, you grab it.
“Thank you,” You murmur. Of course, he remembers how much you like frosting.
Thankfully, you don’t notice the way he looks at you, skin warm in a way that has nothing to do with the oven heat.
It’s quiet for another long moment as Sanji begins to clean the counters.
“Can I help?”
Sanji glances up. “Help?”
“You’re cleaning, and all I’m doing is sitting here eating icing.” You set the bowl down. “Seems pretty unfair.”
He shakes his head, followed by the quiet squeak of the cleaning spray. “Oh no, ma chérie. I’m alright.”
But of course, you don’t listen.
And why would you? You’ve seen it yourself. All Sanji does is give, without expecting much of anything in return. Sometimes, during late nights like this one, you wonder what it’d be like to take care of him.
You’re up before he can protest any further, the barstool quietly sounding against the wooden floor.
He turns, watching as you round the island.
“Mon coeur—”
“Yes?” You glance over your shoulder, turning on the faucet.
Something about your look makes Sanji pause for a moment, before sighing dramatically. There’s something in his eyes that’s softened, though not from exhaustion.
“You can be real stubborn, you know that?” He’s beside you now, picking up a drying towel from the rack.
A quiet chuckle leaves your lips. “So are you, Sanji. Especially when it comes to being taken care of.”
He’s silent for a few seconds, taking one of the plates from your hand. You return your attention to another plate, scrubbing lightly.
"...You worry too much."
When you glance up, Sanji is still smiling. But it isn’t like his more charming or playful ones. Instead, it’s softer.
More…him.
“Yeah? Well…” When you pass him another plate, you don’t let your gaze linger, despite how much you want it to. “...You deserve to be worried over.”
It’s silent for a moment. The only sound between you two now is the running faucet.
Something about the way you say it makes his expression falter, just for a moment. So certain. Like there isn’t a doubt in your mind about it.
The plate in his hand stills. Then he chuckles softly.
"You're too kind to me, ma chérie."
Somehow, his smile has made it onto your face instead.
“I mean it.” You murmur.
From there, the two of you work in a comfortable silence. A couple more dishes pass between your hands, a few more minutes drifting by.
Waves gently rock the bottom of the Sunny.
And before long, the kitchen is clean.
a/n: this is extremely self-indulgent because i personally love cinnamon rolls, but anyways, thank you for reading !!
