Hi!
Your fic about Sanji was amazing, which is why I’m here with another request 😊
How do you think Zoro and Sanji (separately) would change and behave in a relationship? 💖
Hey, thank you so so much! Sorry if this one took time, I thought it through! Hope you like it (: Zoro
Zoro is notoriously independent, and getting into a relationship doesn’t change that overnight. At first, he struggles with understanding the subtle nuances of being with someone—he’s used to relying on himself and chasing his goal of becoming the world’s greatest swordsman. But, slowly, he starts to realize that having someone who truly cares for him doesn’t weaken him; it actually strengthens his resolve.
He won’t be the type to express his feelings through long, romantic speeches. Instead, Zoro shows his love through quiet acts of devotion. He sharpens his partner’s blades if they’re a swordsman too, or he makes sure they always have food when they’re training or recovering from a fight. He won’t say much, but the way he instinctively moves to protect them in battle speaks louder than words ever could. He’ll also try harder to stay awake when they’re together—something that’s not easy for him, considering his nap habits.
Zoro doesn’t change in the flashy sense, but he becomes more aware of his surroundings. He’s always been protective of his crew, but now he’s fiercely protective of his partner, though he trusts them to fight their own battles. He still gets lost constantly, but now he finds himself checking over his shoulder to make sure they’re nearby. If they’re separated, he feels an unfamiliar twinge of discomfort until they’re reunited. His pride may prevent him from admitting it outright, but he values their presence more than he lets on.
In private moments, Zoro’s surprisingly tender. He’ll lie back with them in the crow’s nest or under the stars, his hands resting behind his head, and let them curl up against him. It’s quiet, but the silence between them feels natural, not forced. He’s not one for excessive physical affection, but sometimes he’ll run his fingers through their hair when he thinks they’re asleep. When they’re truly alone, he might even rest his head on their shoulder or let them lean on his chest, murmuring something gruff like, "Don’t get used to this," though they both know he doesn’t mean it.
Though Zoro’s heart remains focused on his dream, he learns that loving someone doesn’t distract him from his goals—it gives him one more reason to achieve them. He fights harder because now there’s someone he wants to protect, someone who makes the idea of surviving the next battle even more important.
Sanji
When Sanji enters a relationship, it deepens his already ingrained sense of devotion and care, but it also introduces new facets to his character.
In the early stages, Sanji will go above and beyond to make his partner feel special. He’ll pull out all the stops with grand gestures: candlelit dinners on the ship's deck, flowers arranged in intricate patterns, and love letters that might rival any romantic poet's. His cooking will reach new heights as he constantly experiments to create dishes that his partner will adore. Every meal becomes an expression of his affection.
Despite his over-the-top romanticism, Sanji’s behavior becomes even more attentive and protective. He’s always been chivalrous, but now he’s even more vigilant. He keeps an eye out for their safety in combat, sometimes even prioritizing their well-being over his own. His protective nature becomes apparent not just in battle but in everyday moments—whether it’s ensuring they’re comfortable in a rough sea or defending them from any form of insult or danger.
Sanji’s relentless charm and flirtation with others will soften considerably. While he still appreciates the beauty of women, his attention and flattery will be reserved for his partner. He may still cook for the crew and be a gentleman, but his flirtatious remarks will have an affectionate, teasing edge when directed at his loved one.
He’ll also struggle with balancing his desire to protect with respecting his partner’s independence. At times, his overprotectiveness might come off as smothering, but he’ll be learning to navigate this, respecting their space while still being ready to support them in any way he can.
Sanji’s cooking becomes an act of love, and he often creates special dishes that hold personal significance, from a meal that reminds him of their first date to a recipe that reflects something they shared together. When he’s feeling unsure or overwhelmed, he’ll retreat into the kitchen, using cooking as a way to process his feelings and reaffirm his commitment to them.
In quiet moments, away from the bustling ship and the crew’s antics, Sanji reveals a more vulnerable side. He’ll let his guard down, showing them the man behind the perfect image—the one who dreams of a peaceful life with them, where they can enjoy simple pleasures together. He might not always be articulate about his feelings, but his actions will speak volumes: the way he holds their hand, the way he listens intently to their stories, and the way he lights up when they’re around.
Ultimately, Sanji’s relationship brings out his deepest qualities—his loyalty, his nurturing nature, and his romantic heart. He’s driven by the desire to make them happy, and this only intensifies his passion for his dreams and his role within the crew. Loving someone makes him more grounded, but it also makes him more determined to build a future where he can share his life and love with them, all while continuing to support and cherish his friends and his culinary aspirations.
