Not posting this on Ao3 yet cause I have no idea where to go from here, but since I'm watching through (and thoroughly enjoying) season 2 of the One Piece Live Action, I figured I'd finish this scene I wrote during season 1 and post it here.
What I do have ideas for is a Sanji x Usopp fic inspired by season 2 so look forward to that as well :>
(Also if you have suggestions for what happens next, feel free to let me know! I'm totally down to come back to this)
“You’re up late,” Sanji smirked at Zoro who stopped in his tracks and visibly sighed. Clearly weighing the pros and cons of sticking to his original course of action.
“I was just looking for a drink,” he grumbled. Of course the stupid waiter would still be hanging around his beloved kitchen. Even at such odd hours of the night. “Besides, I could say the same to you. Shouldn’t you be asleep by now? I thought cooks kept good sleep schedules.”
Sanji laughed and set down the last of the dishes he was drying off. Then slung the towel over his shoulder and sat down at the countertop across from where Zoro was standing. “I was waiting to see if you’d show up again actually,” he told him with a shit-eating grin. “You say you’re just looking for a drink but don’t think I haven’t noticed more food going missing than usual. You’re snacking, but why? Is Luffy rubbing off on you?”
Zoro grimaced and looked away, “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Hmm, and now you’re lying to me,” Sanji mused, “Something’s up with you, but what could possibly be on your mind?” He made a show of thinking hard then snapped his fingers and chuckled. “Of course, if you won’t admit what’s going on, then I can simply tell you. Since I’ve already seen right through you.”
“Oh really,” Zoro said dryly and spread his arms, “Well then diagnose me, doctor. It couldn’t possibly be the fact that I’ve had to save our asses more and more from enemy pirates and I’m hungry.”
Sanji laughed, “Please, Nami was right. You’re an open book.”
“You always think she’s right,” Zoro scoffed, then paused, remembering the drinking game they’d played together. “She told you about that?”
“Sure did,” Sanji grinned, “Not that we spoke about you specifically. I merely asked her to catch me up on the crew and what you guys had been up to before I joined. But that’s besides the point.” He put his hands together dramatically and leaned in towards Zoro. “You,” he said pointedly, “Are in love.”
Zoro, to his credit, did not flinch. “You’re insane,” he frowned.
“Insanely brilliant,” Sanji corrected, “I’m right, aren’t I? I just wonder who it might be. Nami’s the obvious choice but I’ve got to warn you, she’s not an easy woman to win over. Trust me, I’d know.”
“I’m not in love with Nami,” Zoro rolled his eyes, “That’s your area of expertise. Wouldn’t want to step on your toes.”
“Met a cute girl on the last island we left then?” Sanji pressed, “You sure seem the type to leave a trail of broken hearts behind you. Wandering warrior, and all that.”
Zoro shook his head, “This is ridiculous.”
“Not a woman then,” Sanji interrupted, “It’s not Luffy isn’t it? I respect him as much as the next guy but I would have thought he’s a little too immature for you. Then again, opposites attract and you are his first mate.”
“Alright, that’s enough,” Zoro snapped, so suddenly that it made Sanji jump. Though he quickly regained his composure and leaned back on his heels. “Forget thia, I’m just gonna go back to sleep.”
“Wait,” Sanji called, his smile dropping to a face of sincerity, “Sorry if I hit a sore spot, I was only teasing.” He hesitated for a moment then added, “Don’t go yet and I’ll fix you a proper drink, alright? Something more refined than just drinking beer from the bottle.”
For a moment it seemed as if Zoro was still going to walk away. But then he sighed and moved to sit down across from Sanji. “Fine,” he relented, “But you’d better make this worth my while.”
“When have I ever not?” Sanji smirked, then leapt to his feet and got to work.
Zoro watched him flit around the little kitchen. Pulling bottles out of cabinets and expertly combining their contents. For a moment there was a peaceful quiet. Save for the sound of ice clinking against glass. Metal swishing through liquid. Sanji’s shoes tapping against the floor. All of it coming together to form a gentle melody. Concluding with the sound of the finished drink sliding across the wooden countertop, as Sanji presented his latest concoction.
A murky green drink in a tall glass that Zoro pulled tentatively towards himself. “Strong and not too sweet,” Sanji told him with a smile as he took a small sip, “Just the way you like it.” He lit a cigarette and sat back as he waited for the verdict.
“Not bad,” Zoro admitted.
For a while, the two sat in silence. Zoro nursing his cocktail and Sanji watching him softly as his free hand fiddled with his lighter. At last, Zoro surprised Sanji by being the one to break the silence halfway through his drink. “How do you know if you’re in love?”
“You’re seriously asking?”
Zoro glared at him, “I thought you wanted to talk.”
“No, no, let’s talk,” Sanji reassured him hurriedly then broke into a wide smile, “Allow the love expert to answer your woes.”
“And I already regret asking,” Zoro mumbled to himself, but there was no stopping Sanji now.
“It’s not an easy feeling to pin down,” Sanji said dramatically. “Love can be a mystery to many, and like a good meal it can’t be captured in something as scientific as a recipe. You’ve got to feel it in your soul.”
Zoro rolled his eyes. “I’m not drunk enough for this.”
Sanji shot him an unamused look, “Alright fine, you wanna be like that? How’s this.” He cleared his throat and leaned in towards Zoro. “Love is like whiskey burning in your chest as it goes down,” he said lowly, “Filling you with warmth that is equal parts bite and intoxication. It’s thrilling, even though you know it could consume you if you’re not careful.”
Zoro stared him down, as he spoke, refusing to waver in his eye contact for even a second. Daring Sanji to look away first. He searched those crystal blue eyes for any hint of malice, but all the mockery he normally held seemed to disappear. Replaced by excitement and passion.
After a beat, Zoro scoffed. “If that’s true, then it’s not love I’m feeling,” he said decisively then downed the rest of his drink in one go. “I’m not scared.”
Sanji raised an eyebrow. “Right now?” he smirked, “Why would you be?”
Zoro let out a heavy sigh and thumped a fist against the countertop. “Get me another drink, cook.”
“You’re a brute, mosshead,” Sanji laughed but backed up anyway to reach for the cooler. He grabbed two bottles of beer and slid one towards Zoro. Then he walked around to sit at the dining table a little ways away from Zoro. “Now it’s your turn, don’t you think? I gave you advice, I think I’m owed a hint about who you’re in love with.”
Zoro shot to his feet, “I already said I’m not-” he cut himself off with a grumble and shook his head. “I’m done with this.” He stomped off towards the sleeping quarters as Sanji giggled in the background, pleased at himself for getting on Zoro’s last nerve.
To Sanji’s surprise, however, Zoro paused at the entryway. “Thanks,” he said stiffly. Then he was gone.
