#cold touch

It wasn't all that uncommon anymore, at least in Jocasta's eyes, for a crewmate to fall overboard. Between Zoro and Sanji always at each other's throats, to Usopp's little shenanigans and inventions, it seemed like somebody was always set to have to fish someone else out.

Of course, it was a lot more serious if a Devil Fruit User fell in. Luffy was the worst of this. Chopper in second place, as it was almost like he forgot he couldn't just take a nice dip. But Luffy went into that water like it was his life's mission to drown himself by playing around on that deck.

Jo tried to stop worrying about it. Most of the time, they'd be fooling around on a summer island, and a dip in the sea was almost a welcome treat. Blistering sun met with cool salty spray for those few moments of diving. It was like an exact science to rescue a man overboard.

Except now it was 28 degrees below freezing. And their strongest swimmer just went under.

She'd swore that she would never end up in ice water again, not since the last and only time she'd been submerged surrounded by ice chunks and tiny glaciers, but the moment the ship had rocked in the middle of the storm, Sanji lost his balance, his head hit something— the railing, maybe?— she watched his body topple over the side of the Sunny and vanish from sight. Instinct kicked in before she even realized what she was doing. Her jacket came off. Pants off. Shoes off. And Jocasta stood atop the railing, eyes fixed on the little blue hole in between the bobbing ice. She dove in before she could think twice.

She had to hold her breath. A big, deep, warming breath. She knew the cold would sting. It would burn. The cold wind ate away at her bare skin the moment she pulled the jacket off, but she couldn't stand to be dragged down by the extra weight. She needed something warm to come back to. Fingers hit the water first in her dive, something to push the obstacles away, but her face and chest and legs instantly followed, only fractions of seconds apart. It took everything in her body to not gasp in shock, or else it would all be for nothing.

The ice was so cold it almost burned. Like hot knives all over her entire body, every pore, like her blood crystallized for a split second. Her body went into shock, but since she was anticipating it, she did not let herself be bogged down by it. Her muscles cramped and froze, but if she stopped moving, she'd die. She could only just see Sanji's blond head sinking beneath the blue depths. He would not go out like this.

Arms moving in arcs, Jocasta's lungs burned as she swam down, the pressure on her ears building. 20 feet… 10 feet… she held out her hand for him, kicking down to his level. The cook was dazed, half conscious, and frantic. She wasn't even sure if he knew it was her. The panicked look in his eyes told her that he gasped upon entering the water, just as she'd expected. The cold was in his lungs. The heavy suit jacket waterlogged and weighed him down.

She got her arm around his waist, sinuses burning, every muscle in her trying to cramp and make her huddle for warmth. Sanji's body was warm against her the moment she strung around him, but it did nothing to warm her core. She swam with one arm, turning her salt-burned eyes back to the surface, following the shadow of the ship cutting through the floes. The arm around Sanji was locked in place. The moment she stopped using it, it seemed like it succumbed to the cold and froze against him. She was shivering. Her body felt like it was refusing to move, and Sanji's partially limp body was pulling her down.

Give up, her body begged her, but her heart refused to let her die in the cold. Not now. Not again. Not like this. She would never die in the cold.

If I'm going to die, I'm going to do it warm.

The fear of freezing to death pushed her upward. Kicking as hard as she could, for both of them. Sanji was helping, she could feel it, but she was not relying on him for it. He was injured, she wasn't. His legs moved, but they were trembling, clumsy, and cold. She could not afford to stop now.

She broke the surface with a gasp, out of the cold water and into stinging air. Her face was bright red with blue lips. The wind off the sea made her shut her eyes at once, wincing in pain. No relief from this cold. The clothes left on her body clung to her skin like icy restraints. Sanji rested on her shoulder, his head bobbed against her as she treaded water just long enough to grab the edge of the ship.

Jocasta's one arm was occupied, around Sanji's waist, a frozen and shaking fist clasped his belt, so that even if he slipped from her hold, she would still have him. And with one arm only, and numb wet feet, she climbed back up the side of the ship.She was lucky she didn't have far to go. The Strawhats had enough wherewithal to get to the side and help them up, but she had launched herself into the ocean before anyone could have stopped her. Franky was immediately fast to help her up, his grip reinforced with metal, easily lifting her shivering form back over the railing. She held fast, jaw chattering as she tried to thank him, but her throat was so tight and constricted from cold.

Nami went for her with a blanket to try and warm her up, but Jocasta didn't allow it. The moment Sanji was on the deck, Jocasta was on top of him, still soaked to the bone, half dressed with her hair freezing into spikes from the wind. She brushed the hair from Sanji's face, tipped back his chin, and blew air into his lungs with blue, cold lips. His skin was freezing. They needed warmth, but before that, Sanji needed to breathe.

Sopping wet and forming ice puddles beneath them, Jo had one hand behind Sanji's head, cradling him, lips locked against his to deliver life back into his numb body. It took only a few breaths before Sanji was awake and coughing again. He retched the water out of his throat, turning his head to the side to cough, laying on the deck for all to see. It was the first time Jo even looked around at them.

There she was, half dressed and looking insane for it. It was clear nobody on the ship would have expected that from her. Not diving in, and certainly not climbing out. She couldn't be sure, but it looked like Zoro had been ready to take that plunge himself, but she had beaten him to it. Her cheeks would have flushed if the blood in her body didn't feel like it was constricted around her heart.

“Oh my God, are you alright?!” Nami asked, dropping to her knees in the cold just to check on them. “Go inside, go and get warm.” Nami encouraged them, feeling cold just looking at the state of them. It was clear Nami had been frantic for them the moment they went over, but of course Jocasta hadn't heard her panicked screaming that alerted the others.

“Jocasta…” Sanji sounded like he was half dreaming, having a wet and nearly naked woman atop him on the deck, waking up to find he was being kissed to life. Jo slipped off of his lap, still shivering too badly to respond. She agreed with Nami, though. They really needed to get out of the cold.

“Oh, Sanji…” She said in relief, hugging him tightly. She helped him to his feet, only a few steps from the warmth of the inside. She could still feel all the attention. It was busy all around. Usopp with towels, Nami picking up Jocasta's clothing, Chopper of course trying to warm them up and make sure nobody was seriously injured. Zoro had both arms crossed, watching with a squint, but it was clear that was his way of keeping an eye on things. His expression was hard and difficult to read, but Jocasta knew it was one of approval. Perhaps an acknowledgement that she was braver than he had thought.

Jo and Sanji were left to warm up in blankets, having to trust Usopp to make up a warm drink, as Jo would not allow Sanji to do the work of making the tea. It was the first moment to actually sit together, alone.

Jo trembled on the couch with the blanket pulled around her, bundled all the way up to her ears. The wet clothes were gone, leaving the two of them in underwear. Not that it mattered under three layers of blankets.

“Are you okay?” Jocasta asked, shifting to face him, worry still etched into her expression. “You're not hurt, are you? Oh, fuck, Sanji, I was so scared. One second you were on the deck and the next, you went right over— God, I thought I lost you. I didn't even think, just jumped in, I had to keep my eyes on you— you sunk like a stone… I was so fucking worried!”

Sanji finally had to hold up his hand to stop Jocasta from rambling, and she faded off sheepishly, Sanji chuckling softly over her.

“I'm doing much better now than I would have been without you,” he purred. Jocasta's face was already red, but it was even more so now.

“Your hands are shaking,” she pointed out to him, noticing the twitch in his hands, which held the blanket closed.

“Yes, and your lips are blue,” Sanji playfully teased her. Jocasta moved closer to him, and she took his hands into her own. They were like icicles, each finger. They shared a moment, staring down at each others’ knuckles. Both were still trembling.

“You're supposed to warm the core first,” Jocasta told him. “Or else cold blood will shock your heart.” She shifted open her blanket, which urged him to do the same, and in one soft, tender motion, Jocasta pulled Sanji against her, chest to chest and surrounded by many layers of blanket. Sanji's cold hands rested on her waist, and she shivered hard, but didn't pull away.

Jocasta was a hugger by nature. She was always very touchy. She'd been alone and afraid for so long. If she had it her way, she'd have constantly had an arm around someone, just for the comfort of having them there. She didn't, because she was never sure if it would make others uncomfortable, but right now she would afford herself that luxury for the sake of warming up with Sanji. She was taller than him, taller than many on the Strawhat crew, so Sanji was right at home against her chest.

She rubbed his back to warm him up, and the two were comfortable in the quiet until she murmured to him. “Sorry if it's uncomfortable.”

This gave Sanji pause, and he lifted his head with a furrowed brow, clearly confused. “What do you mean by that?” He asked her, his arms still looped around her back.

“I'm just not the most comfortable to lay against, so I mean, you don't have to stay if it's uncomfortable.” She stammered.

“There is nothing uncomfortable about being held in a lady's arms,” Sanji swooned at her. This only caused Jo to stammer a little more.

“Right, I just mean, like, I've got all the ridges and shit,” she mumbled bashfully. It was true, her chest was scarred and uneven, not a beautiful softness that was easy to caress against, but Sanji wouldn't be caught dead calling a woman ‘uncomfortable’ when she was willingly letting him place his face against her.

“There is nothing wrong with your beautiful scarring,” Sanji assured her, his voice smooth and charming. He rested his head to her shoulder, against her neck. She quieted again with his reassurance.

“Why was it that you jumped in after me?” Sanji asked her after a moment of quiet. Clearly, this had been plaguing his mind a little since they'd gotten inside.

“What?” It was Jocasta's turn to look at him incredulously.

“You don't have to do that. I'd have never expected a lady to submit herself to the cold like that.”

“What, and let you drown?”Jo's sea-blue eyes were wide with shock that he even entertained the idea. “I've been in polar waters before. I know how to navigate them. Just because I hate the cold doesn't mean I wouldn't dive in a hundred times over if it meant saving any one of you.” She looked him dead in the eyes when she said that.

Sanji blushed, clearly at least a little sheepish that he'd been unable to save himself, that he would probably hear it from Zoro for the rest of his life, and most importantly, that Jocasta was in danger just to help him. Now the tables turned, though, and it was Jocasta assuring him that he was being ridiculous.

She continued. “Dropping into freezing water like that steals your breath. If you're not ready for it, your whole body will lock up. Even mine, and I was prepared for it. It sends you into shock. I had to make sure I didn't gasp in surprise.” She explained it as it was. “All I did was make sure I had dry clothes. That, and knowing my shoes would slow me down, I kicked off anything heavy. Honestly, I didn't even think twice. I saw you fall… and I just leapt.” She admitted. “I know you're a strong swimmer— probably even stronger than me, but… I've had other friends fall into ice water before. No way I was just gonna let you deal with it alone.”

Sanji felt choked up. His lips pulled into a frown, but he wasn't upset. He was just emotional, and it was tugging on his cheeks a little, forming a pout as he nearly cried at the idea of her sacrifice for him. It reminded him of the last time he fell from a ship. The last time he was tumbled beneath the waves in a storm. 85 days stranded. His eyes fell hollow at that memory. A time he tried not to think about. In the darkest parts of his memory, he remembered the hunger pains. Every storm made him think of those dark days. Falling from the ship into the deadly sea only reminded him of it even more.

Jocasta broke him from his involuntary trip down memory lane by kissing him on the top of his still-damp and cold hair. He shook himself out of it and looked up at the elven woman with a charming smile. “Jocasta~” He purred, surprised by her actions. She giggled a little, flushed slightly.

It really did look like a more intimate moment between them. Sure, they were alone, but they were sharing blankets in an embrace. Jocasta was about as close to Sanji as two people could get without being obscene. Her legs were over his. She'd used her blanket to wrap over his shoulders, and he had practically done the same. It was almost like they'd switched blankets trying to look out for the other. Jo rested her head on his, curled up and seeking heat from him. Sanji loved every moment of it.

Jocasta enjoyed the hug, but her main concern was still making sure they were both warmed up at the core. Sanji was perfect for this, though. His body ran hot. Once the chill from his skin started to fade, he was warm, and it was lovely. It made her press into him harder, nudging against him like a dog getting comfortable, cheek against him complete with a few small nuzzles. Sanji replied with a small hum of contentment.

“If I'd have known I'd be getting this much sweet attention from a beautiful lady, I'd have jumped overboard a long time ago, miss Jocasta~” Sanji flirted with her, damn near heart eyed at the position they were in.

“Please don't,” Jocasta nervously laughed, more concerned about never going back into that ice water, first and foremost. But she tried to be smooth a moment later when she realized. “I mean, I'll still jump in for you, but I won't be happy about it.” She added with a laugh. She felt butterflies hearing his charming tone. “Y’know, you didn't have to fall overboard just to get me to cuddle up.” She teased him back. “I'm a hugger, you could have just asked~”

“Well then, that's something I'll keep in mind,” Sanji took their flirting as a good sign. Almost surprised by it.

Jocasta flushed and dropped her eyes a little. Seeming to become aware that they were out of their wet clothes and now quite bare. Not naked, just… bare. It wasn't like she hadn't gone swimming with the crew before, but there was always such a difference between swimming and sitting in a state of undress in someone else's lap. She glanced at him again and looked away to not be caught staring. Which was quite amusing to the cook, as Jocasta was taller than him.

“Are you still cold?” She finally asked him.

“I think I'm quite warmed up now~” Sanji was beneath her gaze. Even if she had her eyes downward, Sanji was still right in her line of view. And he was smirking up at her with a loving expression.

“Do you want me to—?” She started to stammer her little question even if she knew his answer, and one look already confirmed it for her anyway. “—move?” Her voice dropped off on the word. She knew Sanji wouldn't dream of pushing a woman from his lap.

“I wouldn't dream of it,” Sanji said.

And at the same time, Jocasta added in a rush, “I just don't wanna be too heavy for you!”

They spoke over each other and they laughed. Even though they talked over one another, Sanji still heard Jocasta's concern, and with that, he pulled her directly into his lap, so she couldn't try and say she was making him uncomfortable. He looked up at her, a smug little smile challenging her. He looked damn proud of himself.

Jocasta was a little awkward, always had been, but this time she didn't move. She relented, letting Sanji hold her in his lap. She was tall, it wasn't very often she was the one invited into the lap. She could count on her hands the amount of times she was sitting in a lap, or the little spoon. So this was different for her.

“I'm glad you're alright,” she told him gently.

“I'm only alright because you risked everything to pull me out.” He replied sincerely.

“It was just instinct,” she said bashfully. Her hand found the back of her neck to rub it shyly.

“Instinct or not,” Sanji shrugged, “You still were very brave just for me.”

“Of course. You're worth it. And always will be. I've had hypothermia. I've been cold. I can't just get another Sanji, though. We need you. Luffy needs you… I need you, too.”

Sanji wore such a warm expression, she forgot that it was cold outside.

“You're such a treasure, Jocasta,” He told her, not letting her pull away her gaze. Her cheeks were all red. It was very apparent that her words meant the world and more to him. Her heart jumped again. There was tension between them before she let out a quiet little laugh.

“Ha. I kissed you and you weren't even conscious for it.” She whispered with a laugh, feeling like her voice was extra tight.

“We could remedy that. I'm very conscious now~”

Jocasta swallowed hard, and then nodded. Her mouth said, “yeah,” but her voice wasn't quite there yet. Sanji placed his hand on her cheek, his fingers just caressing the back of her neck and into her hair, and she mirrored him.

She kissed him. She leaned down to meet him, feeling the little bit of facial hair and scruff against her face, the softness of his lips in the gentle, suave way he kissed.