Shivari

This night just couldn't get worse. You were coming home from work after beating up some wanderers, and getting into near death experiences, only to find your home a total mess. By a large man with short red hair. “Well look who came back.”

His wolf ears tingled on top of his head with a slight smirk appearing on his lips as you narrowed your eyes at him. “Seriously, Valko… What the hell are you doing here so late at night?” You muttered tiredly as you made your way to put your work gear away.

“Oh you know, I was out running errands and then I remembered something,” You heard the rustling of him moving around behind you. Turning around, you see him sitting on your chair and putting his feet up on the coffee table. “You owe me a thanks for saving you before that wanderer chewed you right up.”

Ah- how could you forget. You were half way done with killing them when you got distracted a bit and almost got your head bitten off, if it wasn't for him pouncing on the wanderer, you would've been dead.

With a long sigh, you walked over to him tiredly, “Can't this wait until tomorrow or something? I'm clearly tired, Valko.” You mumbled, taking off your jacket and putting it up on the coat rack.

“I could wait, but I'm kinda busy tomorrow with some lab research I'm doing.” He crossed his arms over his chest as his tail was wagging side to side, his golden eyes glimmering under the soft lights of your apartment.

You turned around and saw the mess he made when he came in through your balcony, your table decorations were scattered on there, your pillows were a mess on the floor with his tail fur, and he was clearly trying to entertain himself with your workout equipment. “Valko-” You paused, unsure what to say or do.

“Yes?” His wolf ears perked up and looked over at you. He was clearly excited to get some kind of reward from you, his naging tail was surprisingly fast.

“Thank you for saving me back there, but I'm clearly tired and exhausted. I'll invite you out to eat when we both have time.” You made your way to him and pat his head as he immediately nuzzled against your hand. A soft hum left his lips.

“Mhm, but you know we're both really busy almost everyday, it won't be until some months later when we finally align our schedules.” He muttered, reaching out to grab your wrist gently to kiss your palm and licking it. You were too tired to even pull your hand away.

Your gaze was a bit blurry from all the exhaustion building up. “Then just… what exactly do you want as a reward?” You muttered out as he grunts and stands up.

“I'm good with whatever you give me.” He slowly reached out and grabbed you by the hips, pulling you against him.

“No, not sex. I'm too-”

“Who said anything about that? I just-” His lips pursed, clearly thinking something. “Is that how you see me? A sex crazed beast?” His voice was soft, and when you looked up at him, you saw how his wolf ears drooped down and his tail stopped wagging.

Ah, he wasn't here for anything like that? Guess you misjudged him. “No no, I just… I took that the wrong way when you grabbed me.” Your hands pat his arms. “I thought you were going to say you wanted to- y'know…” You looked away, embarrassed by what you were thinking instead.

“Nah, I just wanted to hold you. You seem exhausted and I wanted you to tell me we could cuddle and take a long nap together.” His tail started to shake a bit as you caught a glimmering hope filling his eyes.

“Cuddle?” You whispered to yourself. If could cuddle you all night, you will be hugging his fluffy tail and fall asleep in his warm arms. That sounded like a good nap right there.

Gazing back up at him, the corner of your lips lifted into a grin. “Fine, but only if you take a shower. You smell like the forest and-” Your nose perked up and leaned into his chest, “Is that- grilled meat that I smell?”

Valko chuckled as a goofy grin showed off his small dimples, “I got hungry after that walk, of course I went to eat something. I even brought you some.” He lets go of you, walking over to your fridge and pulled out a container of food.

Taking a step closer you see him opening up the container and see the delicious T-Bone steak with some mashed potatoes and gravy along with some steamed broccoli. Your stomach growled at the sight as you realized you didn't eat dinner.

“You shouldn't have showed me this. I got hungry now.” You let out a yawn and looked at his concerned face.

“Let me guess, you didn't eat dinner due to overworking, right?” He sighed and grabbed your hand, sitting you down on your plush couch. He walked to your kitchen to heat up your food, finding a random tray you didn't even know you had and placing a plate, a cup of water, and utensils. As he was waiting for the food to heat up, he rumaged through your fridge. “Look at that. You remembered my favorite drink!”

He let out a soft chuckle and took out a box of chocolate milk. A small smile crept up your mouth as you remembered you bought those specifically for him, and maybe for you as well.

A few moments later, he was sitting next to you and finished his choco milk, waiting for you to say the food is good and that he did a good job brining you good food. “Y'know, I may be sleepy, but this actually good.” You finally muttered after being halfway done with your food.

“Is that a praise I hear?” He smiled mischievously as you rolled your eyes. It felt like you were gaining your energy back with him prancing around your apartment and looking like a gleeful flea.

Your chuckle ran through his ears as he saw you lighten up after that food, “Yes. It was a praise, Valko.” Your hand pinched his nose as he snorted.

“Don't do that.” He mumbled and grabbed your wrist, pulling you into him.

You were pulled against his chest as he suddenly grabbed you and stood up, carrying you. “Let's get you to bed then, I'm ready for those cuddles.” He nuzzled into your head and squeezed you tightly.

“Hey, let me take a quick shower then, I don't wanna- Ahh!” You screamed when he jumped into your bed with you. You started wiggling around in his arms, yet he didn't let you go at all.

“Nope, go sleep.” He hummed and held you close as you tried to break free from him.

“I want to shower, and you should too! You stink, you damn fleabag!” You were slapping his chest as he laughed loudly. Clearly he didn't think both of you smelled bad at all, but you on the other hand wanted to shower off the grime and smell of the woods, and possibly blood from the wanderers.

Valko grumbled deep in his chest as he lazily looked up at you, “Why? I can just wash the sheets tomorrow before I go to the lab.” He laid on his side and let you go as you laid next to him.

Rolling your eyes at him, you pouted and sighed deeply. “Fine. At least take off your shoes.” You sat up on the bed and started taking off your own boots and your belts. You were now just left with your tank top and your pants. “Actually… Let me get some pj pants.”

Valko followed your move and took off his boots and any other uncomfortable clothing. He was left in his sleeveless shirt and black pants. He sat on the bed, his tail wagging as he looked at you trying to find some pj pants that could fit him.

After a few minutes, you two were finally changed into comfortable clothing. You wore pj pants and a comfortable t-shirt; he wore pj pants and no shirt since none of your shirts fit him.

“You know, you can grab me anytime you want. I'm being vulnerable here.” He smirked down at you lazily as you grabbed his face and rubbed his cheeks as he scowled softly.

“I know I can. You're my dog.” You grinned as Valko smirked down at you.

“Yeah yeah, whatever.” He rolled his eyes and pulled you into a tight hug. Resting your head on his chest, he burried his face into your head and wrapped his tail around you before putting the covers over yourselves.

It was a rather slow day on the thousand sunny as Luffy was so impatient for no reason. He kept jumping around and talking to Nami about when they were going to arrive at the next island as he was itching for a new adventure, yet all Nami could tell him was, “Soon enough. It’s a vacant island as far as I know, so there won’t be people… hopefully.” She muttered under her breath.

Luffy ran towards each person until Zoro smacked his head (lightly, you hoped) and told him to train with him just incase there was danger later. Instead, Luffy became tired and fell asleep while chewing on some meat, everyone was relieved at his sleeping self as Usopp came out and said that he hadn’t slept the night before because him and Luffy were talking about his random “adventures.”

After Luffy had fallen asleep, the ship was peaceful that you almost missed him being hyper and running around. You were craving for an apple as you got up from the swing and walked up the stairs to go into the kitchen. Walking in, you see Sanji noting down what he needed to restock whenever they got to the next island. Not surprised by his task, you went to the fridge and grabbed an apple, deciding to wash it and cut it up in slices.

As you were doing your own thing, Sanji bumped into you as he gasped in surprise, “Oh dear. My bad, angel! I didn’t see you there.” He smiled widely as his eyes were almost blown into heart eyes. You melted in his gaze, but you looked away quickly so he won’t see your warm eyes. He was a simp for any woman, and you weren’t gonna fall for him and his words.

“It’s fine, I was quiet when you were working, so you didn’t know I was here.” You chuckled as you took out a knife and started to cut the apple horizontally. Taking your time to cut the apple, you hadn’t noticed that Sanji was still staring at you with a smile. “What is it, Sanji?” You mumbled as you felt your cheeks heat up.

“Oh nothing, I just like seeing you take charge in the kitchen.” He sighed, taking a few seconds to be quiet before he put down his notepad on the counter and looked away, “On that note, when should I teach you more cooking skills?”

Ah yes- you totally had forgotten about your cooking lessons with him. You told yourself that you wanted to learn a thing or two from everyone since they were all so talented in their own ways, so being here on the ship made you worthless when you couldn’t do anything to help. Taking it upon yourself, you decided to ask all of them for tips and see if you could learn a thing or two about important things.

Luffy had told you that it was fine if you didn’t do a thing, as long as you were a great friend and person, that’s all he cared about. You liked your captain a lot and always played with him whenever you had time, however you didn’t want to leech off them, so of course you started doing those lessons and they happily said yes.

“Hm, how about tomorrow? If you’re not busy with other tasks.” You looked back at Sanji as he was checking the spices in a cupboard to see what he needed to find.

“Sounds good! I’ll be fishing with Luffy when he wakes up. If you want to join us to learn how to fish, then we would happily love to have you with us, dear.” He noted down with his pen the spices he was missing on his checklist as you see his hair fall over his eye gently as your heart twisted at how cute he looked.

Snapping out of it, you sighed and shrugged it off coolly, “I don’t mind. Who knows when you all will need help with fishing.” You chuckled softly as Sanji also chuckled along with you. He nodded with a small hum as silence fell over you two again.

You finished cutting your apple slices, as you washed the knife and put it back in its respectful place. Placing your slices on a small bowl, you took a glance at Sanji once more as he was now looking at the fruit as well. “I’ll go back to the swing. Call me over when Luffy and you start fishing.”

He glanced at you and smiled widely, making you blush. “Will do. Enjoy your apple slices, dear.” He stated as you nodded and left the kitchen with your bowl of apple slices.

The wind blew in your face as you started walking down the stairs to go sit down on the grassy deck of the ship.

----

Time flew by as fast as lighting as the sun was about to set in around an hour, you were happily chatting with Nami and Robin about random things as Sanji popped up. “Here you go, my lovely dolls.” Lowering down the plate he had on his hand; you all saw the drink he had made for you three. One was a pina colada for Nami, a sweet raspberry tea for Robin, and for you a stunning blue drink that looked like the entire ocean with some blueberries on top.

A smile crept on your lips as you three all smiled back at Sanji, “Thank you!” You all chimed in as Sanji was practically twirling around and gushing over how lovely you all looked enjoying his drinks. While he was gushing, you took a sip of your drink as you stared at Sanji for a bit as he talked about who knows what.

Seconds later, Sanji went back to normal and looked at you as well. You widen your eyes and looked away. “Oh by the way, Luffy woke up. He wants to fish soon if you wish to join us.” He had a small smile on his lips as you nodded.

“Mhm, sure. I’ll finish my drink and head on over.” You told him as he nodded and bid his goodbyes, walking away.

Nami and Robin kept talking to you as you listened and put your opinions out here and there. Taking your time with your drink, you had finally finished it as you told the girls you were going to leave to learn some fishing skills.

“Good luck! May you catch awesome fishes!” Nami encouraged you as Robin smiled and nodded her head.

“Don’t get eaten by one of them.” Robin chimed in as Nami and you stared at her in disbelief, but you liked that side of her. “What? It could happen.” She chuckled as Nami shaked her head and smiled at you.

Waving at them, you headed towards the back part of the ship behind the kitchen where Chopper’s infirmary was at, as you spotted Sanji and Luffy chatting about what kind of fishes the ocean had to offer them.

“Hi guys. I’m here to learn how to fish.” You said excitedly as Luffy grinned happily and extended his rubber arm out and wrapped it around you, brining you closer towards them before hugging you.

“Yes! Let’s fish together!” He giggled and handed you Usopp’s usual fishing rod as you took it and stared at them. You heard of how to fish, but you never knew how to set up your rod.

Sanji noticed your confused look as he stepped in closer and grabbed the fishing line. “Let me help you, angel.” He whispered as Luffy started signing very off tone as usual. Sanji pulled you away for a bit as he grabbed a hook from the fishing supplies as you smiled.

He started to explain how to tie a hook to the small wire as you followed his instructions, after a few tries you finally got it to tighten as Sanji patted your head, “Great job, my dearest!” He exclaimed as he picked up a small container and opened it, “Now it’s time to put the worm on the hook.”

Your face changed so quick as you gagged and looked away. “Eugh! I don’t want to do that.” Sanji laughed at your expression as he took one out with his bare hands.

“Don’t worry, they’re not alive. You won’t have to worry about them wiggling around.” He placed the worm on your hook and stared at you while you were fake gagging and scrunching your nose. “I already put it on for you, dear. Come on, let’s fish.” Sanji’s warm (and clean) hand grabbed your wrist and led you back to the railing where Luffy was getting bored out of his mind just sitting there doing nothing.

---

Around an hour or so, Luffy had left to go play with Usopp and Chopper, leaving you and Sanji alone at the back of the ship. His and Luffy’s rod had caught around at least seven fishes as he put them in the tank to make sure they were supplied well. You were staring out into the horizon as you waited for a fish to bite your bait.

The only fish that bit your rod ended up being set free since it was so tiny that even Chopper would complain about how it wouldn’t fill him up, so with a small frown you didn’t give up and kept waiting as Sanji suggested that you should take a small break to relax, however, you didn’t want to go unless you caught at least one fish yourself.

Sanji had finished making dinner as he brought you a warm plate full of your favorite food as he sat next to you. “Here you go, love. I made your favorite food.” His smile was enough to warm you up as you pushed the blanket away from yourself and grabbed the plate.

“Thanks, Sanji.” A smile appeared on your lips as you began eating as Sanji sighed and looked at the dark sky full of stars.

The food was delectable once more as you let out a small hum in satisfaction. Taking large bites of your food, you soon enough finished it and drank the water he had brough you as well, your eyes drifted to Sanji as he had his eyes closed and rested his head back against the railing of the ship.

He looked so calm and relaxed as you quietly set down your cup, pulling your knees up to your chest and rested your head on them as you stared at him. Sanji hadn’t noticed this as he took in breaths of the salty ocean water that he always loved a lot, his mind drifted off into a fantasy of the All Blue, wondering how it would look like.

You knew how much Sanji wanted to find the All Blue, and you were hoping as well to help him out with his dream. In secret, you would go to the library, that was hovering above you, and read books about this All Blue ocean. There wasn’t much, but you tried to read up on the same books until you memorized a few things.

The wind blew his hair off his eyes as you saw his curly brows all relaxed and calm, your lips curled into a smile as your hand slowly reached up to push his hair away a bit more. “Sanji?” You called out softly as he was startled at how your fingers brushed his hair away from him as he jerked back from the surprise.

“My angel? What’s wrong?” He mumbled as his cheeks starting heating up suddenly, trying his best not to get a nosebleed as you hadn’t really touched him like that before, “Did something happen? Am I dreaming?” His hand raised and touched the place where your fingers were at.

For some reason, you didn’t shy away and apologize, instead you leaned in closer and rested you head on his shoulder as he went stiff, “Nothing’s wrong. I’m just… I’m feeling all warm and happy.” You mumbled as he pursed his lips, unsure what to say or do since the ladies never really showed much affection due to him being a flirt.

Sanji’s fingers on his lap fiddled together as he opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out as he just sat there on the floor and gulped nervously at how close you were being. It was a lucky day for him since by now he would’ve been in Chopper’s infirmary room, bleeding out and possibly dying from blood loss. “Did I do something to… to uh- to have- this?” He stuttered as his cheeks were red, feeling on cloud nine.

“No. You were yourself all day.” You chuckled and lifted your head to look up at him as he blinked repeatedly, “I’m just… acting weird is all. Don’t know why I suddenly want to cuddle you up and kiss you.” A sneering grin grew on your lips as Sanji was struck with lovesickness.

His flustered smile came up as he cheesed and looked away, “Oh my dear angel, I’m not stopping you at all. Do go on and-”

Cutting him off immediately, you grabbed his face with your hands and brought his face closer to yours as he sucked in a breath. His head felt like it was being touched by a goddess as he froze in place and felt his head spin. Your thumbs stroked his face and pinched his cheeks as he grumbled and giggled like a school boy in love.

As you stare at his dark brown eyes, your heart swelled with love and you couldn’t hold it back anymore, “You’re so cute, Sanji.” You whispered as you leaned in closer, brushing your lips close to his as he felt like passing out from your words and actions.

“M-My d-dear, I- uh, we-” You crashed your lips into a heart warming kiss as he felt so lightheaded, his hands reaching up to grab your wrists gently as he didn’t know what to do. Should he kiss back? Should he pull away? Fuck- what should he do?

His mind raced with millions of questions as his body melted and pulled you closer, making you smile so brightly into the kiss as you suddenly giggled and nipped at his bottom lip between your lips. “You’re such a dork.” You muttered, going back in to kiss him more as he hummed and whimpered.

The small noises he made had you groaning as you pulled his face closer. His hands roamed down your wrists, until they rested gently on your shoulders, unsure where exactly to touch you as he was scared that you might regret kissing him.

Pulling away first, you smirked at how he looked so drunk from the kiss as he sighed, resting his head against the railing as he took in deep breaths. You swore, you could see a hint of blood on the verge of leaving his nose.